Victorian Showmen’s Guild executive officer Justine Sinclair shares memories from her show experiences as the Shepparton Show draws closer to celebrating 150 years.

How long have you been coming to the Shepparton Show and what is your connection to the event?

The Victorian Showmen’s Guild and generations of its members have had a long-standing connection with the Shepparton Show.

Since the early 1950s our members have been travelling to Shepparton, bringing rides, amusements, games, food and attractions to generations of families.

We are proud to be part of the travelling show community that has helped make the Shepparton Show a much-loved annual event.

What do you enjoy most about returning to Shepparton each year?

It is the people. There is a real sense of community at the Shepparton Show, and our members enjoy returning to a town where they have built relationships with the Show Society, volunteers, businesses and show-going families over many years.

There is something special about seeing familiar faces and watching families return year after year.

Can you share one of your favourite memories from your years at the Shepparton Show?

One of the great memories is watching generations of the same families enjoy the show together — parents who once came as children now bringing their own children and grandchildren.

For showmen and women, those moments are what the travelling show is all about. The lights coming on, the rides starting, the crowds arriving and the excitement of show day are memories that stay with you.

How has the show and the travelling show industry changed during your time on the road?

The industry has changed enormously. Rides and equipment have become bigger, more modern and technologically advanced, while safety standards, compliance and operating requirements have also increased significantly.

At the same time, the heart of the travelling show remains the same — providing families with fun, excitement and memories.

What is something people may not realise about the life of a showman or show woman?

Being a showman or show woman is a way of life, not simply a job.

Our members spend much of the year travelling from town to town, often working long days and weekends and spending considerable time away from home.

Behind the lights and rides is a huge amount of hard work — setting up, operating and packing down equipment, maintaining rides, managing staff and travelling hundreds of kilometres to the next show.

What makes Shepparton Show a special stop on the show circuit?

Shepparton is a significant regional centre with a strong agricultural and community identity, and the show reflects that beautifully.

The Shepparton Show brings together rural and regional communities and provides an opportunity for families, exhibitors, volunteers, businesses and show men to come together.

The welcome our members receive makes Shepparton a special part of the annual circuit.

Do you have a favourite ride, attraction or part of your work that you are most proud of?

Every showman has their favourite attraction, but there is a real sense of pride in seeing the entire amusement area come alive.

From the first ride operating to the lights shining across the showgrounds at night, it is rewarding to see the excitement on people’s faces.

We are particularly proud of the generations of family businesses within our industry that continue to invest in their equipment and provide quality attractions for show audiences.

What are some of the most significant changes you have seen in the industry over the years?

Technology, safety regulation, transport, insurance and the overall cost of operating have changed dramatically.

The investment required to maintain modern equipment and meet today’s standards is significant.

Despite these changes, the industry has remained resilient and continues to adapt, while preserving the traditions that make an Australian Agricultural Show unique.

What does being part of the Shepparton Show’s 150-year history mean to you?

It is a privilege. One hundred and fifty years is an extraordinary achievement and represents generations of volunteers, exhibitors, local businesses, communities and showmen and women working together to keep the show alive.

The Victorian Showmen’s Guild is proud to have played a small part in that history and to continue contributing to the show’s future.

What keeps you coming back year after year?

The people, the community and the tradition. Agricultural Shows are an important part of regional Australia, and our members are proud to be part of that story.

We keep coming back because we know that when the show opens, families are creating memories that can last a lifetime — and we want to be there to help make those memories happen.

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