Volunteers needed to save show

The future of one of Warragul's longest-running events is in doubt, with organisers warning the 2027 Warragul Show may not go ahead unless more volunteers step forward.
Warragul Show president Keith Geddes said the committee urgently needed people to fill the key positions of secretary and treasurer, with preparations for next year's show already at the point where important decisions needed to be made.
"If we don't have a treasurer and a secretary in the next two weeks, the show probably won't go on next year," Mr Geddes said.
"It's getting too late. There are a lot of things you have to pre-book early."
Mr Geddes, who took on president in April, said the committee made several attempts to attract new volunteers and received some expressions of interest, but the two crucial administrative positions remained vacant.
He stressed the problem was not a lack of enthusiasm for the show itself. A committed group of volunteers continues to look after many of the traditional sections, including horses, cattle and goats, but finding people willing to take on the administrative responsibilities required to stage the event has become increasingly difficult.
"If we don't get people, you'd end up with two people doing everything," Mr Geddes said.
Mr Geddes said agricultural sections had long benefited from volunteers whose passion for particular animals or competitions kept them involved year after year.
"It's us trying to get other people to do the administrative roles," he said. "That's the hard part."
The Warragul Show has a proud history stretching back more than 140 years.
The first show was held in 1885 by the Warragul and West Gippsland Agricultural and Horticultural Society, beginning a tradition which has seen generations of district families compete, exhibit and volunteer.
While the town and the show have changed considerably since those early years, Mr Geddes said the event remained an important part of Warragul's community life.
"Everyone likes to go to the show," he said.
"But if we haven't got the people to help, it just can't happen."
Mr Geddes said losing the show for even one year could make it harder to rebuild the momentum, knowledge and volunteer base required to bring it back.
People interested in helping the Warragul Show, particularly in the secretary or treasurer roles, are encouraged to contact organisers at https://www.facebook.com/WarragulShow.