Community
5 June, 2026
Help needed to ensure show future
THE Warrnambool Show will this year celebrate its 171st event – but its future could be in jeopardy.
The show committee currently has just over a dozen volunteers and the group fears that if more people don’t put their hands up to help out, its future could be short lived.
Current president Roger Wilkinson has been in the role for the last three years and while he is eager to remain on the committee, he has decided to step down from the position to make way for fresh faces, fresh ideas and, hopefully, someone who is just as enthusiastic and passionate about the show as he is.
“I will be stepping down as president after this year but I’ll still be keen to help out on the committee,” he said.
“But if we can’t find a new president, I honestly don’t know what will happen; this year may be our last show which would be sad to see.”
Roger has been on the show committee since 2011, having grown up around shows from an early age.
“My dad was a life member of four agricultural societies, including Warrnambool, so you could say that shows have been a very big part of my life,” Roger said.
“They are an integral part of so many communities and it’s quite special to play a part in that. Volunteering is very rewarding and I encourage anyone wanting to give something back to their community to give this (joining the committee or simply volunteering on show day) some serious thought.”
Joining the show society, whether as a steward or as someone simply eager to help out on the day, does not have to be a huge commitment.
“This isn’t something that sucks your time, it’s a chance to be a part of history. The Warrnambool Show is steeped in history and it’s something we would all love to see continue for years to come.”
Roger’s sentiments are well supported by one of the society’s youngest members, 23 year-old Nicola Brown, who recently took on the role of secretary.
Having moved to the district from Queensland in 2019, Nicola admits to being a “newcomer” when it comes to agricultural shows.
“I was 16 when I made the move from Queensland to Port Fairy to live with my dad and it wasn’t until 2024 that I became involved with the show,” she said.
“Before then I’d never even been to a show before, not even as a child, so this was all very new to me.”
A lover of history, Nicola said it was the long association with the town that first drew her to the Warrnambool Show.
“This show is absolutely steeped in history and that’s one of the things that I love so much about it,” she said.
“I’m a chef by trade so being secretary of a show society is a far cry from the kitchen; but I love my role.
“Seeing the smiles on the faces of young and old on show day; the satisfaction of seeing such a big event come to life, it’s all so rewarding.”
Come September the “flood gates open” for entries and that’s when Nicola’s work really steps up a notch – or three.
“Come September it gets pretty hectic,” she said.
“From trade stands through to cattle, horses, cooking, the arts, there’s so much to see and do at the show and this year will certainly be no exception.
“We just need more volunteers to ensure the show continues for years to come. We need a new president, a new treasurer and more volunteers so if anyone is keen to volunteer I’m hear to help.”
With so many voluntary roles available, there truly is something for all ages and interests.
“You can join the committee, become a steward, or even just volunteer to help on show day; there’s so many ways in which volunteers can contribute to this amazing community event.”
The 171st Warrnambool Show will this year be held on Saturday, October 31.
