Show’s in the bag

By Nicole Williams
THE showbag is the calling card of the local show, and the Dandenong Show is no different.
But many show-goers wouldn’t realise the profits go back into the community thanks to Apex 40 Dandenong Valley.
Neil Shaw, treasurer of the Dandenong Apex 40 group, said the volunteer club had been involved with the Dandenong Show for over 40 years.
“We have worked closely with the Dandenong Agricultural Society and obtained sole rights to sell showbags at the Dandenong Show back in the 1960s,” Mr Shaw said.
“We originally packed all the showbags ourselves, using families and friends.
“It was a really fun day seeing kids all working together making up showbags but eventually we had to let this go and now go directly to the showbag companies.”
Apex 40 has six showbag vans open on the day but most are manned by local schools or Scout groups, who use the profit from their van for fund-raising.
“Apex 40’s role with the show is to help schools, kindergartens, Scout groups and Girl Guide groups raise funds,” he said.
This weekend’s show will see Chandler Primary School Maralinga Campus, Noble Park District Girl Guides, 3rd Noble Park Scout Group and Keysborough Primary School running stalls.
“The Apex 40 group also man one of the six stalls to raise funds for a charity of their choice and in the past have donated money to Dandenong Hospital, Dandenong Valley Special School, Dandenong Music Festival, Riding for the Disabled and Angel Flight,” Mr Shaw said.
“We just try and raise as much as we can.”
“The profits are determined by weather and crowds and this can be frustrating when we all put in a lot of time and effort for little result,” Mr Shaw said.
“We are overdue for good weather and a good crowd.”
The Dandenong Show will be held from 9am on Saturday 12 Sunday 13 November at the Dandenong Showgrounds, Greaves Reserve, off Bennett Street, Dandenong.