IT is the beginning of a new era for the Kerang and District Agricultural Society under its first female leader.
Sharon Ash recently became the latest president of the society.
“I think it is an honour really to be the first female president of the show committee,” Ms Ash said.
“Older members of the committee have come up and said go for it.
“So I am looking forward to it – I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Feeling like the committee was “going around in circles” with the same faces, and after some encouragement from a few friends, Ms Ash decided to seek the position, believing she could bring fresh ideas to the table.
She has been involved with the Kerang Show for more than 20 years, organising the animal nursery before taking over the poultry auction and assisting with organisation of debutante balls.
“Our members have dropped over the years, so that would be one thing I would really like to achieve – try to build up our members to help,” she said.
“I have got a lot of new members, which is already great to hear, but I’m not going to say no to anyone if they want to join. The more, the merrier.”
Ms Ash is also hoping to entice younger people to join the committee.
“With a committee of young members that have all got positions this year, I’m hoping that it will invite and encourage more younger ones to come along and join us.
“We are all learning, but as we have sort of looked at each other and said we are all going to band together and support each other, we will do our best.”
One of the main challenges Ms Ash is expecting to face is not having a public holiday for the day of the show, after Gannawarra Shire decided not to grant it after public consultation.
“Not being able to have a holiday for our show is a little disappointing, but it’s just the way things have turned out, so I’m hoping that that is not going to put a dampener on things,” Ms Ash said.
“I’m just trying to support our local community and the businesses that are in the community, and I’m hoping that our Kerang Show can do that.”
At the annual general meeting on March 15, Tracy Roberts was elected secretary.
Past president John Poole presented certificates of appreciation to long-term committee members Stan Kerr and Lorraine Marshall.
Ms Marshall started exhibiting at the show more than 60 years ago and Mr Kerr has held office for close to 70 years.
