VOLUNTEERING on the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee has become a tradition for many families.
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Tim and Geoff Rethus are no exception, with the father-son duo not only farming together daily, but also working together to put on one of the biggest agricultural events in the state.
Tim joined the committee about three years ago, but Geoff joined in the early 1990s.
“We’ve done quite a lot together over the years,” Tim said. “It’s a big committee, so we both have our own friends that we talk to when we are at working bees.”
Tim said there was a few father-son teams on the committee.
He said it was great to see the next generation of volunteers coming through.
“It’s what will keep the field days alive,” he said.
“It’s great. There is also a lot of people who’s fathers used to be on the committee.
“It’s good to see the renewal of generations getting involved.”
Tim said having volunteers of all ages made the field days thrive.
“The older guys know what not to do, because they’ve tried it before,” he said.
“But we need the younger guys who are keen to make things happen.
“We all get a kick out of just chatting at the working bees and getting to know each other.”
Field days president Peter Moore is on the committee with his father Jeff Moore and uncle Colin Moore.
Colin is one of the longest serving members, joining more than 50 years ago when he was just 18 years old.
Peter said it was certainly a family tradition for them.
“My brother comes and helps out occasionally too,” he said.
Tim said the committee was a good social group.
“It’s a great way to meet other farmers and keep in touch with people,” he said.
“We have guys that live south of Horsham and guys way up north, so it’s a good spread of people.
“I enjoy getting behind the scenes and developing where the event is going to go in the future.”
Tim said preparations for the field days were going well, new grass had been sown and rain had settled the dust.