SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Mayor, David Robertson has congratulated the Sheepvention 2023 committee and its volunteers on an outstanding program of exhibitors and entertainment for this year’s event.

A sheep farmer himself, Mr Robertson said he was proud to be a representative of the sheep capital for prime lambs and wool growing, as well as a district with the foresight to present that innovation to the world, on a grand platform.

“Sheepvention today really is something for everyone; a combination of the old Hamilton Show and the original Sheepvention,” he said.

“When this began, Hamilton was the sheep capital of the world – everyone recognises the fact that we’ve got more sheep than anywhere else and we’re home of the most productive pastures in Australia.

“It’s the natural place to host a sheep show.

“And everyone knows farmers are inventive and innovative – when there’s a problem in front of them, they’ll find a solution.

“Sheepvention started out with the invention and innovation of farmers, lessons on how we can do it smarter, not harder.

“That expanded into innovation right across the board … technology, nutrition, animal husbandry, everything from the latest drench guns, to pasture species, genetics, virtual fencing.”

He said with the addition of a huge variety of retailers and entertainments, today’s Sheepvention catered for an audience well-beyond rural industries.

“It’s a great information centre for a lot of farmers; they come here for their fertilisers, technology updates, finance … they take this great opportunity to talk to these services face-to-face, then they can take that information straight back to the farm for follow-up,” Cr Robertson said.

“But it’s also something great for the townspeople; you’ve got entertainment for the adults and kids, lots of retail shops, everything from clothing and manchester, right through to big farm machinery.”

Cr Robertson said the work of the volunteer committees and their workers over the life of Sheepvention and the community’s support for the event, made it the most important event for the district and he called on the community for that same level of support in 2023.

“The committee has done a fantastic job, not only with the program and all the exhibits, but the work on the Hamilton Showgrounds – the weather-proof tracks, the covered sites – and their development is ongoing, for everyone to go there and enjoy the day, no matter the weather,” he said.

“My hat’s off to the committee; many of them have been there for 30 or 40 years and the younger generation that’s coming through now, my hat’s off to them.

“Most of them are busy with their own farms or businesses and jobs, but they still put in the voluntary hours and there really is that community spirit behind it that makes this event.

“Kathryn Robertson, the president last year did so well in keeping the event going in such a difficult time and to the new president, David Botterill, they all do very well to try different things to fit in with the changing world.

“Primary industry is the major industry in our region and Sheepvention is not only the greatest support of that, but for tourism it brings the biggest number of people into our shire for the whole year – millions of dollars – and when the accommodation is completely booked out and we get such incredible feedback, it’s never been so important.”