Minyip agricultural show ceases after 102 years

A lack of volunteers has forced the Minyip Show in Victoria's Wimmera region to call it quits after more than a century of agricultural events.

Initial community support at the announcement of the committee disbanding in early May did not come to fruition and the decision to end the show was made at the end of last month.

Minyip Agricultural and Pastoral Society President Don Orr said that it was simply a matter of not being able to rally enough people power.

He told local newspaper The Weekly Times “I put it down to being an elderly population and the people that have helped in the past are just tired. Every year trying to get the show to continue without community support."

The show was held on the first Tuesday in October and Orr cited the fact that it was midweek as another determining factor.

He advised "if we had of been able to change it to a Saturday or a Sunday, which we couldn’t because we were bound by regulations, I would say it might have survived another few years."

About 15 people attended the final committee meeting, where the future of the country town’s events were discussed.

Wimmera Agricultural Societies Secretary Andrea Cross said despite the sadness around losing the show, there were some positives to come out of the decision.

Cross stated "our take home message to them, was often when one door closes, another one opens. And I could see that happen at the meeting when they were talking about the thought of joining forces with the Show and Shine event.

“For Minyip itself, I mourn their loss and I grieve with them but something else will pop up.

“You’ve got to find the positives in these times of crisis. To sustain an event for over 100 years is a huge milestone and we just need to know how to embrace change from here on.”