No one was complaining about the sound of rain on the tin roof at last month’s Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society’s annual general meeting, adding to the positive tone of a well-attended gathering of members and supporters with several younger faces. In giving the president’s report for 2025, Amanda Swaney highlighted two significant events for the A&P Society - the annual show in November and campdraft in March as once again proving most successful. Ms Swaney provided an overview of various other activities held at the Mansfield Showgrounds. “In the past year we have also hosted other events for large numbers and earned recognition for the welcoming nature of our members and the beauty and amenity of our grounds,” Ms Swaney said. These events included the Rolling Solos for their third visit, National Toyota Landcruiser Gathering and a wet rest day for the Great Victorian Ride. She also noted the importance of the equine events held throughout the year at the grounds and thanked the Mansfield Pony Club and Mansfield & District Equestrian Club (MADEC) for their involvement. “To have a safe and well-equipped place for people, especially children, to ride helps the local equine industry and provides social connection for our community,” Ms Swaney said. The Mansfield Scouts were also thanked for their involvement. She acknowledged the success of the Mansfield Campdraft to the welcoming and efficient way that John McCormack and Georgina Richardson ran the three day event with teams of hard working volunteers to make it happen. The 2024 Mansfield Show was another successful day with “Dogs @ Work, Dogs @ Play” the theme. Ms Swaney said the working dog workshop presented by Dr Rod Manning was well received and the dog high jump as always was a crowd favorite. “A new direction for the show was the introduction of online entries via Showday Online…we are still learning how to use the multiple applications of the program, but we are seeing the advantages in competitors being able to enter via their phone or computer,” she said. Ms Swaney was also pleased to report the streamlining of banking systems by the society’s treasurer Gwenan Evans. Governance was further strengthened by updating the society’s Model Rules last year she said, The president has also written position descriptions for the various roles on the committee to define and give clarity to the responsibilities involved. “It is volunteers who keep the grounds and buildings in good order,” she said. Improvements have included the exterior painting of the luncheon pavilion by Hans Van Poppel. John McCormack and Adam Mahoney built a new wooden entrance at gate one which has enhanced its appearance. Thanks to a generous donation of funds, solar lights are now installed at gates one and two. The president said the grounds require constant attention and Bernie Anstee had been active in their upkeep. “The A&P Society is run by volunteers and as an independent body we are indebted to the willing participants who give so generously of their time and finances,” said Ms Swaney. No election was required for office bearers and councillors with the incumbent Ms Swaney returned as president for another term. Gwenan Evans remains as treasurer while the appointment of secretary was once again Lynn Elder. Andrew Allan accepted the position of vice president with Bill Lines as junior vice president. The meeting recognised the 20-year service of two committee members, John McCormack and Bernie Anstee who were both given life membership. The meeting concluded with an address by the 2024/25 Rural Ambassador state finalist Annie Marquison who spoke about her passion for rural life and how the local agricultural show was important in educating people about life on the land. She spoke about the negative impact that television and social media can have on those in the rural sector and about how to “flip” that into representing what is good. The 2025 Mansfield Show is Saturday 15 November with the theme “Spotlight on Youth”.
