Sheepvention: Meet the volunteers behind the scenes

Victoria’s Elliot family are the personification of dedication and passion for their regional community. See why they dedicate their time to Sheepvention every year.

Australia was built on the sheep’s back, the old saying goes.

But if the manpower behind the iconic Sheepvention event at Hamilton is anything to go by, then the future of Australia’s agricultural show industry is built on the back of volunteers.

And the Elliot family of Byaduk, Victoria, are the personification of dedication and passion for their regional community.

Jackie Elliot and her husband Dan Mirtschin, along with sister Annie Elliot and parent Levi McDonald, and parents Christine and Will, have a decade-long relationship with the agricultural event, and have spent countless hours volunteering their time and services doing everything from appearing on boards to driving livestock cartage trucks.

“I think our whole family is dedicated for much the same reason, and that’s to ensure we can keep Sheepvention going for the next generation,” Jackie said.

The Elliot family: Will and Christine Elliott, Daniel Mirtschin, Jackie Elliot, Levi McDonald, Annie Elliot, and Geordie Elliot. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“A lot of people wouldn’t realise events like Sheepvention are based around volunteers, where a lot of people chip in because it’s their community.”

This year her father Will donated his time and livestock truck to bring in sheep for the wool classing competition, while her brother Geordie has been involved with bringing in cattle for display.

Jackie said it was important events such as Sheepvention remained in the community.

“At the end of the day, more hands make light work, and there are so many volunteers … we need people in our communities to put in to these events, and if you don’t, you won’t have them,” Jackie said.

“There’s a huge amount of work that goes into a two-day event.”