Diverse crowd enjoy day one
It is day two of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and crowds are returning to the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong for another blockbuster day showcasing agriculture and community.
Hundreds of people braved the wind yesterday to enjoy the first day of the event – three years on since the last field days, just prior to the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field days president Tim Rethus said he was pleased with the outcome of the first day.
“I was really happy the weather was holding up and we’ve had a really good turnout of a diverse crowd,” he said.
“All the site holders appeared busy, so the effort they put in to get the sites to where they are, has paid off.
“Our new 3WM Local Market Square is working quite well with some local produce there.”
Wimmera Development Association project manager Vernetta Taylor was at the Wimmera Harvest Fair stall in the Local Market Square.
“Wimmera Harvest Fair is an initiative to showcase the region’s artisanal products and to make them available in remote and regional areas, we have engaged six independent supermarkets to stock the produce,” she said.
“Being at the field days is amazing. I think it is wonderful that it is back.
“It’s a major event for our region – it is so important that we have it and that we bring people together.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our whole region and it’s wonderful to see this event being supported.”
Ebony Rintoule, of Gymbowen, said it was great to be able to walk around a jam-packed field days site again. “I enjoy socialising with people when I am at the field days and checking out everything at the sites and at different stalls,” she said.
Tyler Moyle, of Dimboola, said while he was not a farmer, he still liked attending the field days.
“I am here mainly to see the new tools on offer. I like seeing the displays of new and coming things and there’s a bit of everything around,” he said.
Corey Trevena, of Horsham, said there was a range of information and attractions across the events centre.
“It’s good to be back after a few years to see what’s happening and also socialise with many different people,” he said.
Mr Rethus said the field days committee and staff had put in a ‘huge effort’ so far.
“The committee and staff are amazing and our manager Vanessa Lenehan has done a brilliant job of setting us up for success this week,” he said.
“The community groups selling food and drinks are also busy and under the pump, which is good, and they’re doing a great job.
“We have big machinery displays, new exhibitors and more – but I think it’s mostly been about people getting out and about, meeting others and checking out some of the new things on sites.
“It’s been three years since we’ve been here, so there’s plenty of new things to look at.
“Day two is ‘Kid’s Day’ so we’re looking forward to seeing more children out and seeing George the Farmer, with many other activities for young ones to enjoy.”
People of all ages headed to the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong for the first day of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days yesterday. Organisers were happy with the turnout and are looking forward to more crowds and excitement today and tomorrow. Pictured enjoying the event are, clockwise from above: Peter and Ebony Rintoule; Graeme Werner; Tom Burrows and Xav Byrne; Benny the Clown cheering on Bruce Hando; Kaniva College students Bronte Hiscock and Xavier Stimson; Archie Hunt; Kay Eyles, Wimmera Harvest Fare, with Emma Streeter, Jemma Hoffmann, Kaylene Streeter and Tayla Streeter; and centre, Charlie, Jesse and Graham Hedt.