By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The Doveton Show experience still offers families a low-cost but high-fun alternative to the Royal Melbourne Show these Spring school holidays.
For the past 15 years, about 20,000 people flock to Myuna Farm to enjoy the mix of farm animals, showbags, rides, foods and performances for the cost of a gold-coin entry.
Its committee of committed volunteers, from teens to seniors across a range of cultural backgrounds, prepare for six months. Many more join in to help on the big day.
The committee recently took out the Volunteer Group category at the City of Casey Volunteer Awards 2019.
“It’s a very hard-working team, a real team effort,” chairperson Veronica Hill said of the 24-strong show committee.
“We’re pretty proud of it. It’s all about community involvement – we’re a pretty good close-knit community.
“Our purpose is as a low-cost alternative – a lot of people can’t afford to go to Melbourne Show.”
The show also helps 15 community groups as a host for their fund-raising food stalls and sausage sizzles on the day.
A variety of local groups run information stalls.
Ms Hill said the show also aimed to minimise waste such as plastic bags. Volunteers also carry buckets to collect food waste for compost.
“We’re trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”
It started with a State Government grant designed to boost disadvantaged areas such as Doveton, Ms Hill said.
“The first year we had 3000 people and that got the wheels rolling.
“When the funds ran out after a few years, we formed an incorporated body and took over as a committee.
“It’ll keep going as long as we get the volunteers. It takes a lot of people to run it.”
Doveton Show is on Sunday 22 September 10am-4pm at Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road Doveton; entry $1 or $5 for a family of six.
