By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Show turned around its fortunes last year, making a $7000 profit following a $40,000 loss in 2013.
But the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society conceded more work was needed to make the annual event at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, sustainable into the future.
Ricky Ferris was returned as society president at its 144th annual general meeting on 27 March.
“Over the past 12 months I have asked a lot of this committee to change the way in which we think about the show to revamp it for future years,” he said.
“Although we have made a great start, there is still a long way to go.”
Society secretary Lynne Ferris said attendance at the 8 and 9 November event was up on previous years.
“The challenge to keep our show relevant to the people within our immediate vicinity is very real,” she said.
Ms Ferris said long-time supporters were helping the society to keep costs to a minimum, but it wasn’t the case with utilities and contractors.
“Looking forward, there is no doubt we are faced with financial challenges,” she said.
George Nicholson spoke for the sponsorship sub-committee and said chasing dollars would remain a tough assignment.
“I tried to get manufacturing firms like Amcor and Bombardier – as major employers in the area – to take a stand at least, if not sponsorship dollars, but they were not interested,” he said.
“This disappoints me but we have to live with it. The same applies to Jayco Caravans.”
Despite this struggle, treasurer Kim Bilton said finances had improved over the past year. Gate takings topped $76,000.
“The good weather paid a huge part in the success of our show,” she said.
“Therefore we need to be mindful that if we have bad weather at future shows we would be in trouble.
“In the forthcoming years we will still have to reduce our costs and raise our revenue, as at the moment it would not be sustainable to continue the way we are going.”
Ringmaster James Connard said the show needed more attractions involving the public, especially on the Sunday.
“There is no reason why we cannot run the gumboot throwing and similar events on both days,” he said.
“These are the types of attractions that require little money but actually provide a source of value to the paying public.”
Melissa Ferris spoke for the cattle sub-committee and said numbers were up on previous years.
“We trialled a new idea on the Sunday, having a display of cattle to help draw the public to the cattle lawns which are normally very empty,” she said.
“This quickly turned into a very popular display once people realised they could come and pat the animals and ask us questions.”
