Show called off due to floods

THIS weekend’s Bendigo Agricultural Show has been cancelled, as the venue for the event continues to host people affected by recent flooding.

Originally set for 21 and 22 October, the Prince of Wales Showgrounds became an emergency relief centre following last week’s downpour that resulted in significant flooding at Rochester and Carisbrook, as well as other locations thought the region.

When the call to cancel the show was made last Sunday evening, about 170 displaced people and 20 pets were being housed at the showgrounds.

Bendigo Agricultural Show executive officer Ian Furze said he backed the moved to cancel the event.

“We understand the need to keep people safe, and it is important that with the forecast weather to come, we are not putting any additional pressure on local and emergency services,” he said.

“We are proud of the fact that our facility has been able to act as an emergency relief centre and that it is able to provide critical assistance at this time.

“The Bendigo Show will return in 2023 but until then, we will continue to do all we can to support the recovery efforts at the site.”

The emergency relief centre at the showgrounds is being run by the City of Greater Bendigo in coordination with the State Emergency Service and other agencies.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf acknowledged the impact calling off the show would have, describing it as a “tough but necessary” decision.

“The City appreciates the good spirit of the show committee and the way it has responded,” she said.

“This is an incredibly stressful and vulnerable time for the people staying at the centre and we need to continue to provide them our full support.

“It will be some time before our region enters full recovery mode and the showgrounds and the exhibition centre are critical to continuing to care for those who need it most.

“The show will go on in 2023 and we look forward to its return next year.”