On show have been livestock and produce from the region, a reminder that beef and lamb do not come from a supermarket but from our local farms, and that eggs are not first found in the second aisle but at the farm. 

The floral, art and handcraft events have added colour, with the shows a great opportunity for local people to exhibit their skills. 

Equestrian events have seen youngsters from across our region continue to participate in competitions that have their origins in the early days of European settlement.

With our larger cities and towns growing in population, the role of agricultural shows in bringing together city and country has never been more important.

I was honoured to attend all of the local shows in the Bendigo electorate, listening to local people about their hopes for the future and their quest to be rewarded for their efforts. 

Congratulations to the agricultural show organisers – you have again given our rural communities the opportunity to showcase the great work they do on the land across central Victoria and the Macedon Ranges.

 Greg Bickley,

Liberal candidate

federal seat of Bendigo