More than 2800 sheep will be settled in to the Bendigo Showgrounds on Thursday as farmers, organisers and volunteers prepare for the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
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Show chief executive Margot Falconer said the largely volunteer-run event was ready to bump-in on Thursday.
“With more than 450 sites and about 2800 sheep arriving in by 10pm on Thursday night. It's busy but it just works,” she said.
“I don't know where else we can put stalls. One guy rang today wanting a site, we managed to find him a spot but at the moment every allocated site is gone.”
Farmers and their sheep from every state in Australia – except the Northern territory – are represented at this year’s show.
“One farmer is coming from Western Australia with a semi-truck load of sheep and 23 bulls,” Mrs Falconer said.
“He asked if he could let his bulls out for a walk while he unloads the sheep, then the bulls get back on the truck he drives them to Queensland. He going up there while the show’s on and then coming back.”
This year is the 19th year the Australian Sheep and Wool Show has been in Bendigo.
Mrs Falconer said in that time, the show had evolved into a “well-oiled machine”.
“This exhibition centre wasn't here, nor was the bottom shed,” she said. “I remember bringing my nephews and there were tents everywhere and it was cold with very few sites. It was very much a sheep show.
“In order to sustain it, the show has introduced trade sites, that's what made it big enough to become the largest sheep show in Australia.”
In preparing for this year’s show, Mrs Falconer said many volunteers had been busy helping set up the showgrounds.
“The first year I joined her, my husband, mother, sister and brother in law all volunteered,” she said. “It brings out that side of people.
“We also have short-term contractors that help run aspects of the event.”
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is on from July 20 to 22 at the Bendigo Showgrounds.
First fleeces arrive in Bendigo
The first fleeces for the Australian Sheep and Wool Show have arrived in Bendigo by way of a boat from Tasmania.
Peter Blackwood from Evandale in Tasmania arrived in Bendigo on Monday with the four Corriedale sheep he will show through the three-day event.
The four Blackwood Corriedales will be judged on their wool and carcass shape with Mr Blackwood hoping to continue his good form.
“This will be our 11th year coming over. It's always a good standard of sheep here and it's good to see where you're standing in that group,” he said.
“We have had a few champions and reserve champions over the years but never won the big one. We're always hoping and aiming for that.
“This is the only mainland event we show at. If you come just for prizes, you end up a bit disappointed but catching up with old friends is good fun,” he said.
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is on Friday to Sunday at the Bendigo Showgrounds.