Volunteers needed to keep show tradition alive

THE Royal Geelong Show is calling for more volunteers as organisers work to ensure the long-running event continues to thrive.

Run by the Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society, the annual event relies on more than 200 volunteers across a wide range of areas including animal sections, stewarding, gates, entertainment and grounds maintenance.

President Tom McCann said the show played an important role in connecting urban audiences with farming life and agriculture.

The Royal Geelong Show is calling for more volunteers to help deliver this year’s event and support one of the region’s longest-running community traditions. Photo: Lachlan Ford.

“We still see it as a great conduit to bring the farming experience to town so people can experience what goes on out there,” he said.

“For the future of farming, we need to create interest in the urban environment.”

McCann said the show is always looking for people eager to get involved and contribute to the atmosphere of the event.

Volunteer roles range from staffing information booths and assisting with livestock competitions to helping behind the scenes, while a dedicated catering team ensures volunteers are fed throughout the event.

The Society is also encouraging local clubs, community groups and other organisations to get involved this year and use the event as an opportunity to showcase their work to the public.

The Royal Geelong Show continues to draw generations of families through the gates with a mix of agricultural displays, entertainment and community exhibits. Photo: Lachlan Ford.

McCann said the enduring appeal of the show came from its ability to attract both first-time visitors and generations of returning families.

“When somebody like a grandparent brings a grandchild through the gates… they can still see the same things they saw when they were a child,” he said.

“We see a lot of young families come through the gate, but we also see a lot of grandparents bringing grandkids through.”

McCann said visitors are often surprised by the breadth of attractions on offer, from livestock and homecraft displays to school bands and community exhibits.