Successful return for woolly weekend

THE Australian Sheep and Wool Show returned to the Bendigo Showgrounds last weekend for its first event in three years.

Thousands flocked to the stalls and sheds to view some of the finest stock in Victoria, watch shearing competitions, and indulge themselves in food and woollen retail.

CEO of the show Margot Falconer said it wasn’t until the gates opened on Friday morning that she could breathe a sigh of relief, positive that it would go ahead.

“It’s been three years since we’ve had a show, two have been cancelled but our last show was 2019,” she said.

“It was really important to have the event, to get people back into the habit of bringing their sheep to show and also coming out to attend.”

Ms Falconer said last year’s show was ready to go when a statewide lockdown was announced the night before.

“We had incurred every expense you can,” she said. “The sheep were here, the store, the pens, the marquees were built, all of the contractors had been working the week leading up to.”

She said this year’s event was made possible through government grants, member donations, and suppliers’ generosity to cut back invoices.

While it competed with the final weekend of the Elvis: Direct form Graceland exhibition, Ms Falconer said many had been holding out for the event’s return.

“The sheep breeders are thrilled to be back,” she said. “They lead quite solitary lives, so they love to go to a show and catch up with each other, benchmark their stock.

“They’re really delighted, there was a wonderful vibe here this year.”

Most site holders returned positive feedback, with some saying they’re already looking at booking for next year.