Show society shares position in public holiday survey

THE Bendigo Agricultural Show Society has responded to the City of Greater Bendigo’s (CoGB) recent invitation to residents, businesses, schools and organisations to participate in a survey regarding whether to retain the annual Bendigo Cup Day local public holiday from 2027.

The survey asks contributors to opt to: keep things as they are; change the holiday to Bendigo Show Day (generally the fourth Friday in October); or observe Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November instead.

Show society executive officer Ian Furze said his organisation believes a family day on the Friday of the popular annual event is a great reason to have a public holiday.

“A show day holiday, typically occurring on the fourth Friday of October each year, would create a long weekend giving everyone the opportunity to engage in all manner of activities,” he said.

Furze said there are many organisations that receive direct financial contributions from their involvement each year, spreading the economic benefit throughout the community.

Supported groups include a local Lions club, the Girl Guides, various CFA units and several branches of the Country Women’s Association.

Last week, Bendigo Jockey Club CEO Paul Scullie told the Bendigo Times while the club welcomed the opportunity for the community to provide its opinion on the future of Bendigo’s public holiday, it would strongly advocate for the continuation of the Bendigo Cup Day public holiday.

“For more than 150 years the Bendigo Cup has been one of the city’s defining annual events, bringing together sport, business, tourism and the broader community,” he said.

“Since first being run in 1868 it has grown into one of Victoria’s premier country racing events and today remains intrinsically linked to both the identity of Bendigo and the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.”

Scullie said unlike many regional events, the success of the Bendigo Cup is closely tied to when it is held.

“Its position on the Wednesday immediately before the Melbourne Cup Carnival has evolved over many decades to become one of the country’s most important lead-up races for emerging Melbourne Cup contenders,” he said.

“That timing is not incidental; it is fundamental to the race’s significance within Australian racing.”

CoGB corporate performance director Angela Hays said survey responses and comments submitted will be provided to councillors to help inform their decision on arrangements from 2027 at a future council meeting.

To complete the survey before the Sunday 9 August deadline, visit Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo.