Every year, the showgrounds come alive as rides, performers and exhibitors pack the grounds to entertain and enthral the people of Cobram and the surrounding area.
However, the president of the Cobram Agricultural Society (which organises the show), Jodie Wilson, is worried.
Ms Wilson said the society’s committee needed new members to continue.
“A lot of our committee members are older,” she said.
“They’ve retired from the workforce ... They come in and volunteer with us and have been with us for decades. But they are getting to that age where they want to retire.”
Ms Wilson said that without new members filling the positions vacated by retiring committee members, there is a real risk that the Cobram show will no longer be able to be run in the future.
Ms Wilson, who has worked with the committee for six years, said the society was always open to new members and could tailor a person’s particular interest to a specific section of the show.
“We generally try to put you where your interests lie,” Ms Wilson said.
“So if you’ve got an interest in horses, we’d couple you up with the horse stewards. If you’re interested in cattle, we would place you in the area dealing with cattle.”
Ms Wilson said people thinking about volunteering shouldn’t be put off by the false impression that you must work long hours.
She said that the group met monthly for one hour, and though this increased closer to the October show date, the hours remained manageable.
“If you can only give an hour a month, then that’s all you can give, but if you can give more time than that, then we would be more than happy to take whatever you’re happy to give,” Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson said volunteering for the society and helping organise the show was a rewarding experience, and seeing the transformation of the showgrounds on show day and seeing the delight on the faces of the kids was a highlight.
It is also great for young people who want life experience for their resumes.
“It’s a great way to learn how to interact with other people,” Ms Wilson said.
“Working within a committee is like working within a team environment when you’re in a workplace. The life skills you learn are transferable.”
Regarding the 2024 show, Ms Wilson said everything was on track for a spectacular weekend.
“We’ve got some really good entertainment coming,” she said.
“This year is looking really good.”
If you wish to volunteer for the society or want more information, call 0407 315 805 or email cobramagshow@gmail.com
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