Let’s talk about an event you all know and love and why it wouldn’t be the amazing occasion it is without the tireless efforts of volunteers and committee members chugging along behind the scenes. 

The Red Hill Show recently came away with an Australia Day Award for the Community Event of the Year Mornington Peninsula in recognition of its 91st show, and we’d like to tell you how it happened. Human power, folks, that’s how, and most of it volunteer-generated. 

Executive officer Bec Davis explains: “We rely on a team of over 80 volunteers from chief stewards, stewards and judges to a host of volunteers that pop up a week before show day to put this massive one-day event together. The success of the show is definitely a 100 per cent team effort. It’s hard to say how many hours go into putting it on, but our assistant secretary Bree Lovell, president Rob Connor, trade space boys Jim Ryan and Vic Kenney and myself dedicate at least eight hours per week throughout the year and are working on it full time heading into the last few weeks before the actual event.”

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, Peninsula people. Bec continues: “There are 12 committee members who each bring their own experiences from marketing/event management, project managing, accounting to veterinary and farming know-how. We have a chief steward for each of the 18 different sections within the show, with an additional two or three stewards assisting. Each section then has between one and three judges. All of these people volunteer their time.” 

Then there’s the executive committee monthly meetings throughout the year to discuss ‘show business’ and how the society can better support the Mornington Peninsula community and its agricultural producers. Now that’s dedication.

The Red Hill Show is all about celebrating the Peninsula’s unique culture, history and values. The Red Hill Horticultural Society, which was formed in 1896 and is still going strong due to an endless line of community-minded people who care about our region and what it produces, grows stronger each year. This important annual show would be a whole different beast without the heartfelt helpers behind it. When you visit on March 7, give thanks to those who sponsor it and to those who believe in the spirit of community enough to work hard at preserving it free of charge.

LIZ ROGERS