Horsham Show has taken out the honour of Horsham Rural City Council's Community Event of the Year in the Australia Day Awards for showing the event had a sustainable future.
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The two-day event celebrated 141 years in 2019 with a large number of volunteers, more than 150 exhibitors and close to 100 sponsors.
Horsham Agricultural Society secretary and events coordinator Andrea Cross said the organisation was thrilled to accept the award.
"It's been a work in progress for more than 140 years," she said. "We have worked hard over the past five years to make changes to the event to make it more successful.
"We had to decide if we wanted to sink or swim. We chose swim."
Ms Cross said key changes to the event included moving the rides from the riverfront to the north end of the showground, increasing entertainment options for children with the introduction of the agricultural playground and implementing a $5 entry after 5pm promotion.
The agricultural playground included a maze with a giant haystack pyramid in the middle, along with a sandpit, which was filled with ping-pong balls.
She said keeping the traditional elements of an agricultural show alive, such as sheep shearing, wood chopping and jam judging, were important as the show continued to grow and evolve.
"We've really got fire in our bellies and the committee is really supportive," she said.
Ms Cross said she was grateful for the input of the many committee members and volunteers.
"Some committee members have been involved for more than 20 years," she said. "With their wisdom it's a great environment to be in."
Ms Cross said it was also great to provide opportunities for Work for the Dole program participants whose help was invaluable behind the scenes.
"It takes a village," she said. "The Horsham Show touches a lot of people. More than you would expect."
The awards will be presented during Australia Day celebrations at Horsham's Sawyer Park on Sunday.
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Eliza Berlage
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
