Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As you would know, Mr Deputy Speaker, the Whittlesea Show is one of the best regional shows in Victoria. It was held on the first weekend of November this year. It was its 156th year of continually bringing joy and entertainment to the community. It is located in a major growth corridor and attracts lots of crowds from Melbourne to come up and experience country life just five minutes from the city. I love attending the show. As I have done every year for the last 12 years, I had my stall there across the weekend. I saw firsthand the quality of our local agricultural produce and manufacturing sectors. The Whittlesea Show allows for farming communities to showcase the best of livestock with cattle, sheep and horses and—for Barnaby—there were even a few alpacas on show.

There were also competitive events like showjumping, animal handling, woodchop, arts and craft, photography and even authentic Australian dunny making. I was invited this year to present the Central Victorian Axemen's Association's woodchop competition at the insistence of Ian Goss. If you were to see Gossie, you would know you do not argue with him. There were a lot of attractions for the kids, and even the young at heart, with an animal nursery and various entertainers across the weekend. There is talk of bringing more attractions for adolescents, which I think would be a great outcome for the show. I want to acknowledge everyone at the ag society for this fantastic event, particularly people such as John Keitling and Tracey Goss, who have continued to make sure that this show is run by families, for families and for the entertainment of everyone.