By Eleanor Wilson
Leading the Berwick Show society as president for the fourth time, Warwick Glendenning is comfortable in the show president saddle.
But he says guiding the show society to the 2023 show, its first public show since 2020, has presented its challenges.
The focus of this year’s show, which celebrates the theme ‘We Are One – Welcome Everyone’ is all about balancing the fast changing needs of Berwick and the City of Casey.
“We’ve changed, not just Berwick, but Australia has changed. We are such a multicultural society and we have to move with the times, otherwise we’ll be left behind,” he said.
“But we still try and keep the agricultural and horticultural side of [the show] as much as we can.
“A lot of people don’t get to see sheep up close, or see a bull or a cow up close, but they have that opportunity here, they can go into the alpaca shed, look at the alpacas up close and pat them, or the kids can see the little animals in the nursery.
“To try and keep it as rural as we can, but at the same time fitting in with the demands of the community.”
Mr Glendenning said managing the costs of the show was another fine balance, particularly given the lack of public attendance at the show during the pandemic meant a drop in revenue for the show society.
This year, children aged 14 and under will receive free entry to the show, with discounted tickets also available for purchase ahead of the show.
“We don’t want families to have to empty their pockets just to get through the gates,” Mr Glendenning said.
“Our aim is to try and present to the populus an agricultural show, with something for every age group to enjoy.”
Mr Glendenning acknowledged the hard work and support of his fellow show cociety members, who have been pivotal in helping the president through a recent health battle, he said.
“The support I’ve received from the committee has been overwhelming…it hasn’t been easy, but everyone indicated they’d do what they could to put on a good show and the committee works absolutely tirelessly,” he said.
He also recognised the support of the show’s sponsors, including major sponsor the City of Casey, along with new sponsors and those who “stuck with the show through Covid”.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the council was “proud to once again be a major sponsor of this wonderful community tradition”.
“Farming is still an important part of our community and council is proud to support the people who help put food on the table, and beyond that, all the local groups and businesses who come together at the show to promote their programs and produce,” Ms Duff said.
“Rich in history and culture, the Berwick and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society delivers a show that is part of the fabric of the Berwick community and I encourage all Casey residents to go along and join in the fun.”
The Berwick Show is on this weekend – 25 and 26 February.
