Over the last months of winter, our Executive committee have enjoyed traveling across various parts of this magnificent country all returning to the Valley inspired and grateful for the place we call home. So, no Presidents report this month apart from the travel photos which say it all. With only a few months before the Festive season and summer holidays bring the year to a close, making way for 2025 and the 138th Show, it’s down to business.
Our monthly meetings are a reminder that a lot of thought and planning goes into making this community event each year, a lot of passion for making it a true reflection of our rural lifestyle and values. In a round table of updates, the following were shared from the various sub committees.
Ground updates
There has been an upgrade of the audio facilities in the Showground which will enable different areas within the grounds to have isolated PA for announcements and/or music. This will enable us to create a lot more atmosphere for this and other events held at Osborne Park.
A new storage shed has also been constructed and the committee is liaising with council on allocations of space.
The bar is also being considered for an upgrade to enhance the under cover area, a popular respite area from the midday sun and vantage point for arena action.
Horses
There are additional events added this year aimed to make the journey over the mountains and into the Valley more attractive. Thanks to Lorraine, Gail and Geoff and various sponsors, we will also be increasing the prize money for some events in line with other shows.
Rodeo
As a much loved part of the Show, we have confirmed the Rodeo for another year and thank Helen for all her hard work in negotiating on our behalf. Prize money will also be increased and a bespoke memorial buckle is being created as a special President’s prize. A sneak peek in the months ahead perhaps.
Poultry
There has been conversation about the Avian flu and many shows are proceeding but some are not. Our resident expert and steward Rob Folkard is confident that we will be able to address the requisite measures to ensure compliance. Among them, Rob suggested that biosecurity guidelines will need to be implemented and communicated. One of the biosecurity conditions is to separate the different species eg. chickens from ducks and Rob is exploring how the Poultry Pavilion could accommodate this.
Other considerations will be:- Handwashing by Judge(s) in between every bird ( over x 200 birds!); the provision of a quarantine area; logbook to be kept; the need to disinfect cages before and after the show. Thanks to Rob for his vigilance on our behalf.
Valley Shorts – Short Film Competition
Acknowledging the ever expanding role that motion pictures play in our lives and the wide access to tools to create, we are launching a short film competition as an extension of the Photography section.
Participants will be invited to submit a short video no longer than three (3) minutes in any genre from documentary to news, comedy, music, bio pic, drama, romance. The competition is wide open to all ages and can be collaborations between a group. There is no specific theme however, inspired by Tropfest and each entry must contain a prop and given the Show is on Valentine’s Day weekend, A HEART will need to be incorporated somehow.
A total prize pool of $1,000 will be awarded in the areas of Best Film, Most Creative Use of the Theme, Young Filmmaker Award (under 16), Best Inclusion of Valley Landmark. Screenings of the finalists and other entrants will be held at an event on the Show weekend. Check the website for more information.
Pavilion
After many years contributing her immense creative talents with creating the centrepiece at the Pavilion, Intan Kallus is taken up the reigns with ongoing guidance and support from Irene Dunn. Considering the many and varied entries in the Pavilion, from baked goods to fresh veggies, flowers, art, preserves and kids creations, much is required in terms of fans, shelving, and lighting for art and photography. As she will be a bit busy running the whole thing, Intan has managed to recruit Selena Hanet-Hutchins to take on the centrepiece, ensuring this much loved tradition continues.
Kids Day
The committee is working together with KVPS to build an even better Show experience for our Junior Members on the public holiday Friday. The schedule will be constructed to allow kids to go from one event to the next, be informative and fun with games, souvenirs and adventure along the way. More in next month’s Voice.
Cheese and Wine Night
Valley Cheesemakers (Kathy and Rosie) will again host this popular Friday night event. This year the theme will be State vs State, where you can compare 6 wines and cheeses from WA, SA, Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and Queensland.
Tickets are limited to 60 and will go on sale in early January so organise your cheese and wine connoisseur friends and book a table or 8 or 10 for February 14. Individual tickets will also be available and will be on sale from January 2025.
Schedule
This year, the schedule will be available online only. This means that it will be available sooner (Mid October) with links to Showday to register early, Keep an eye on the website and Facebook for alerts on this and all else to do with the Show. Until next Month.
Julie Ward
