THE Dandenong Journal has reported on the progress, successes and disappointments of the iconic Dandenong Show since its inception in 1871.
Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society secretary Lynne Ferris said the group was a not-for-profit organisation run by a committee of volunteers, goodwill and dedication.
“Generations of families from the area have enjoyed the show,” she said.
“We have supported and been supported by the businesses, community groups, services clubs, schools, hospital, Scouts, Victorian Showmen’s Guild, breed societies and volunteers from all avenues.”
During the boom years of the 1960s to 1970s, the show was the biggest in Victoria – outside the Melbourne Royal – and attracted important dignitaries, TV personalities, overseas judges and the best livestock in competition.
“The Journal’s Marg Stork and a photographer could always be seen roaming the showgrounds, interviewing showgirls, woodchoppers, livestock owners, show jumpers, flower arrangers and show patrons,” Ms Ferris said.
“Faithfully reporting and recording for posterity the fun, excitement, thrills and spills of the show in Monday’s edition of the Journal.
“We couldn’t wait for the paper to arrive to see the names of the winners in print or, better still, which photographs had been chosen to highlight the features of that year’s show.”
Ms Ferris said the society had enjoyed a “wonderful working relationship” with the Journal over the years.
“Especially with Peter Simcock, Kristina Leckenby and Marg Stork in the latter years, and Roger Dickson in earlier times, with them believing in the importance of the Dandenong Show for the people of Dandenong, assisting with promotion of the event with editorial support and interviews, advertisements, lift-outs and posters,” she said.
“The Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society wish to extend our very grateful thanks to all the people from the Journal who worked so closely with us in support of the Dandenong Show.”
