This picture by Stewart Chambers says it all as show patrons scuttle for shelter as heavy rain sweeps across the showgrounds on Saturday afternoon. More on show, pages 3237.By Jim Mynard
RAIN washed out Saturday afternoon and evening activities at the Berwick Show on the weekend, but show workers gathered things together for a good Sunday.
A disappointed show president Andrew Dedlef had to call a halt, as Akoonah Park became saturated and dangerous for competition.
The gates were closed at 6pm and all Saturday night activities were cancelled.
Nevertheless Premier Steve Bracks earlier officially opened the show with high praise for those behind its tradition and for those who maintained that tradition.
Mr Bracks particularly commended City of Casey Council and the community for provision of the new pavilion at Akoonah Park.
He congratulated show president Andrew Dedlefs and his team for what they had achieved.
“I would like to congratulate the community for building this pavilion and the City of Casey for its sponsorship of the annual show.”
He said CFA volunteers were at the showgrounds and he asked people to say thanks to any CFA volunteer fire fighters they may see.
“Thank them for the lifesaving work they have done this fire season,” he said.
Mr Bracks said agricultural and horticultural shows played an important part in community life.
“They help promote and support our world class agricultural industries and provide wonderful value for money family entertainment.
He said shows kept a connection between city and country.
“Our government is a great believer in agricultural and horticultural shows.”
He said the Berwick Show was one of the biggest and best in Victoria that attracted visitors from across the State.
“It features Victoria’s biggest cattle show outside the Royal Melbourne Show and had one of the biggest horse shows.”
Mr Bracks foreshadowed ongoing government support for shows.
He said the Government provided $1.5 million to more than 125 show societies and that it was investing $101 million in a massive redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.
“This is because we want Victoria’s shows to be centrepieces for communities.
“Shows are major events that bring people together and they support primary producers,” he said.
