Show stopper

By Melissa Meehan
AS COMMITTEE members and volunteers are celebrating a successful Centenary Pakenham Show, the question of what happens now is lurking in the shadows.
Whispers are rife that some committee members may step down after helping the show reach 100 years, leaving a gaping hole needed to be filled.
Glorious weather and growing sentiment marked 100 years of the show, with large crowds taking part in the celebrations.
But some asked the question whether this could be one of the last.
Pakenham Show committee Vice President Ian Thomas said he had heard that between six and eight members would be “pulling the pin” at the Annual General Meeting this year.
“I’m hoping that in the near future we can track down members of the public who enjoyed the show on Saturday and any others that would like to help out in the years to come,” he said.
Committee member Jason Ronald OAM said he believed the uncertainty over the location of the show once the race course was no longer in Pakenham was another reason some committee members may be jumping ship.
“I think what is going to have to happen is discussions between the show society and the Cardinia Council with the view of finding a suitable area in Pakenham that could be used as a show ground,” Mr Ronald said.
“I understand that two areas have been mentioned, so if those can be identified over the weekend I’m sure there must be other areas that could be considered.”
He said there was a parcel of 60 acres of land near the Pakenham Golf Course that was owned by the council as well as the land in McGregor Road that the council has earmarked for auto sport.
“It’s important that the society, the council and the racing club sit down and talk this through,” he said.
“If land is found then the society would hope the Racing Club would assist with the removal of a number of sheds that would otherwise be demolished when the racecourse moves.”
As for replenishing the depleted number of committee members, Mr Ronald said once a location was secured for the future of the show, members would either stay or new members would jump on board.
“If the venue is resolved I think some of those people who may be contemplating resigning would stay and help,” he said.
“I think it’s just the circumstances.”