The historic Mildura Show faces extinction without a surge in volunteer numbers
A Victorian tradition since 1890, the beloved Mildura Show teeters on the brink of extinction, unless a desperate plea for volunteers is answered.
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One of the largest regional shows in the state could be forced to close, bringing an end to 134 years of history because of a lack of volunteers,
The committee of management of Mildura Show Society has decided the 2024 event will likely be its last unless there is an urgent boost in community support
“It was decided that the 2024 event would be the last unless significant numbers of volunteers could be found to assist with the mammoth task of bringing the event to life each year,” Mildura Show co-ordinator Jo Rodda said.
“The show is the third largest in the state, trailing only behind the Royal Melbourne Show and the Geelong Show,” Ms Rodda told the Herald Sun.
“Its disappearance from the yearly calendar would be devastating to local businesses, community groups, and residents alike.”
Helen Burffit, a board member for C.H.A.I.L.I.S who runs the Children’s Photograph fundraiser at the Mildura Show, said if the show stopped running, it would be detrimental not only to the charity she serves but to many others in the region.
“It will have an impact on a lot of charities. It makes a big difference for a lot of people, it’s a fantastic event in Sunraysia with many people entering fundraising competitions. Not necessarily for fundraising, but for general awareness, absolutely,” Ms Burffit said.
Ms Rodda said she was stepping away from her role as co-ordinator at the end of 2024 as the role had become increasingly difficult without the support of volunteers.
“The event is economically sustainable but cannot continue without volunteer support. Re-engaging volunteers post-Covid has been challenging, and without significant numbers to assist, the 2024 event will be our last,” Ms Rodda said.
A media release sent out on Monday said the committee that runs the show had been decimated since Covid, with its numbers sitting at just 13.
According to the show’s website the Mildura Show raises more than $300,000 annually through community and sporting clubs at the event.
Ms Rodda said the show’s disappearance from the Sunraysia events calendar would have a devastating impact on local businesses renowned for repairing and maintaining rides and vehicles involved in shows across the country, as well as valuable tourist dollars.
“Sunraysia businesses are known throughout the country for their ride maintenance and repair. That’s not to mention fuel, shopping, accommodation, just the people the show brings to Sunraysia,” Ms Rodda said.
Mr Rodda confirmed his year’s show is not under threat, with planning already well underway for the event that will run for two and a half days on the third weekend in October, as per tradition.
“There are so many things people can get involved in that would be a massive help. Whether it is helping set up, becoming a steward, joining the committee of management, or volunteering during the event. If we don’t get those numbers boosted significantly, the event will be lost to the region, and I don’t think anybody wants that,” Ms Rodda said.
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