By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The Dandenong Show must go on, and it’s in the hands of the ‘next generation’ of organisers.
Rachael Cochrane, Ricky Ferris and Kate Reedy are all steeped in the Show’s rich tradition, but are also keeping an eye on the future.
They’re part of a loyal, hard-working band of volunteers – young and old – behind the 147th annual show.
With cut-price tickets at the gate, much of the packed program of attractions are free.
It includes a bevy of young, local musicians, singers and dancers performing live.
And the expected thrilling rides, showbags, monster trucks, farm animal displays, milking and shearing demonstrations, arts, crafts and home-made foods.
Ms Reedy, whose family’s involvement spans four generations, has fond memories of entering competitions as a child.
Her family clings onto their farm in Cranbourne South as housing estates creep ever closer.
Part of the show’s role now is educating children and adults who have never seen a farm and its animals before.
Here they see milk squeezed from a cow, wool shorn from a sheep and spun into wool.
“They see the value of something that they might have taken for granted,” Ms Reedy said.
“It’s great to see a child to pat a calf or a goat and ask what is that?
“We do this because we love it.”
Ms Cochrane and her family are preparing to ‘break in’ their Charolais beef cattle ready for the upcoming show.
‘Breaking in’ means to get cattle used to wearing a halter harness, so they can be led calmly for exhibition.
While at high school she started volunteering at the show. She’s also made enduring friendships, including meeting her husband James.
The national drought is a real threat in Victoria despite the green hills around the family’s Bunyip farm, Ms Cochrane says.
“Grain prices are going up, hay prices are going up because there’s no rain to grow crops.”
Three generations of Mr Ferris’s family have taken part in the show. He manages a 1900-acre cattle and sheep farm, Webb Pastoral, in Glenburn, north-east of Melbourne.
Farming is still an attractive career option, he said. And winning show awards for prize livestock are a key way to make a name for yourself in the “industry”.
He first started showing cattle when he was 5. At the show, he’s made friends all over the country and the world – even met his wife Melissa there.
“If you do well in the ring, people see your success. It’s part of promoting your business and yourself.”
Mr Ferris has been on the show committee for 16 years. He wants to keep the event relevant to young people.
“We dropped the gate (price) right back and hope to get a few more people through.
“It’s very good value for money. The Royal Melbourne Show is very expensive but we offer a similar experience for a lot cheaper cost.
“We have something for everyone.”
The Dandenong Show is at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong on 10 and 11 November. Tickets: www.ticketebo.com.au
