Supporting the community

Getting this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo up and running is testament to the resilience of the town and its community. Just five months ago, record flooding devastated the surrounding area, and badly damaged the Kings Park Recreation Reserve that has been home to the expo for many years.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of Mitchell Shire Council, the reserve’s committee of management and many others, the show will go on — albeit with some small adjustments to the free event programming for this year.

We have decided to run all the free event programming on the rear oval to protect the main oval and make sure it is fit for the kick-off of the 2023 Goulburn Valley Football League in April.

We know the flood recovery road is a long one so we’re also encouraging everyone who buys a ticket to the expo, to donate to the Kings Park Flood Relief Fund.

Any amount is appreciated and 100 per cent of the funds will be donated to the cause.

We will also give back to the community through the numerous not-for-profit groups who volunteer their time and support the expo each year by providing car parking, running sites and displays and with setting up and clearing up for the event. These volunteers and the many other people who work tirelessly behind the scenes each year in the leadup to the expo are the key to its ongoing success.

This year, as well as many of the familiar and much-loved faces, demonstrations and activities — such as working dog displays, whipcracking and Learning Hub sessions — we welcome new exhibitors showcasing vertical gardens, machinery and equipment that are ideal for small and medium-sized farms.

There are plenty of tasty food and drink options, cooking and butchery demonstrations, the always popular arts and craft displays and the showstopping poultry sale.

The expo always has been, and continues to be, a great family day out and — as well as camel rides, a petting zoo, baby animals, a new equestrian sport, vintage car displays and reptile and fish demonstrations — there will be plenty of kids’ rides and activities. Whether it’s for one day or all three, show your support for the Seymour

I would also like to thank the thousands of people that have literally travelled from far and wide, including from interstate, to attend this event. It would not be the success it is without you, too.

I’m excited to see what’s on offer this year and I strongly recommend the experience to all.

Fiona Stevens

Mitchell Shire Mayor

community and head along to this year’s expo.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jamie Gilbert McPherson Media Group

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