Warragul Show cancelled due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the final nail in hopes to stage the annual Warragul Agricultural Show this year.

A show society spokesperson said this year’s event, that was to be the 136th staged since the Warragul and West Gippsland Agricultural society was formed in 1885, had been cancelled.

Doubts around what limitations and restrictions would apply due to the pandemic prevented planning for show scheduled to be held in early March.

Warragul was one of the few shows able to be staged in Victoria last year before severe restrictions were introduced for public events.

However, the committee considers the pause for this year could be “something of a blessing”.

The role of shows has changed considerably over recent decades and the committee hopes the break this year gave the opportunity for the type of event Warragul needs to continue to be successful in future years.

Another priority is to attract more people to be involved, on the society’s committee or in helping run events staged at the show.

The spokesperson said a lack of people willing to put their hands up to help out was a problem to planning and staging the show this year.