By Casey Neill
Graeme Kershaw’s employer roped him in to helping out at the Dandenong Show.
That was back in 1966. The 82-year-old has been to every show since and has no plans to stop.
“I’ll always attend,” he said.
He and wife Joy moved to Dandenong for his job with Alex Scott and Co as a stock and station agent.
“Of course, Mr Scott and other staff members were members of the show committee,” Mr Kershaw said.
“Therefore I was roped in.
“I’d been involved with other shows, so I knew what was going on.
“But the Dandenong Show, of course, was much larger, than what I had experienced before.
“I was put onto the cattle committee. That’s where I stayed, actually.”
Greaves Reserve will host this year’s show on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November.
The dairy and beef cattle are shown on the Saturday.
“They’re judged on their breed, the quality of the cattle,” Mr Kershaw said.
“Each breed has different aspects to how they’re formed, and that’s about it.”
“They come from the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley and Gippsland – Warragul, Pakenham, Wonthaggi.
“You see the very best of each breed of cattle.”
Mr Kershaw was cattle committee chairman for several years and did announcing in the cattle section, too.
Last year he was recognised for serving the show for 50 years and received an engraved clock for his commitment and support.
“I was honoured as a life member some years back, which I really appreciated,” he said.
Over the years he’s enjoyed the personal contact with “wonderful people” and being with the cattle.
Gates open at 9am on both show days. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged six to 16 years and free for children aged five years and under.
Family show tickets for two adults and up to four children are available via pre-purchase for $25.
Attendees can buy one ride ticket and get one free between 10am and noon on both show days.
Visit dandyshow.com.au/tickets.
