Tractor theft ’a real blow’
$10,000 reward to help show volunteers get mower back
GEELONG Show volunteers are so desperate to recover a stolen tractor and mower that a private benefactor has posted a $10,000 reward for its return.
Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Tom McCann said the ruthless theft of the equipment was “an absolute blow” to the volunteer-led show committee.
Mr McCann said a group of volunteers had spent most of Saturday preparing the Breakwater grounds for an expanded show program by mowing and tending to the grass ahead of the launch of the show on October 18.
In the afternoon members returned the John Deere tractor, worth about $80,000, and its mower attachment to a locked shed.
The next day, volunteers arrived at the ground to find the bolt to the shed broken and the mower and tractor gone.
“It’s a devastating blow,” Mr McCann said.
“With a month left to go from the show, volunteers are coming here and mowing the area.
“They’re going to be struggling and hopefully if there is anyone who knows about it they can come forward. Somebody driving a tractor around town should stand out a little.”
The show has operated for 163 years and organisers have recently focused on trying to reinvent the show and make it more appealing to a younger generation.
“The tractor is absolutely fundamental to groundskeeping — it’s almost 100 per cent the work of volunteers who are working tirelessly away,” Mr McCann said.
“We’re trying to have a real go at giving (the community) an opportunity to see a different show this year. We are trying to change a few things up … (the tractor) was sort of fundamental for that.”
The tractor is described as green and yellow and of John Deere make.
A private benefactor has offered a substantial award for the return of the tractor and the mower.
“Hopefully we can recover it. This time more than ever its vital to have to manicured grass,” Mr McCann said.
Police from Geelong’s crime scene services unit are investigating the theft.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.