NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Kyneton Shines at 2026 VAS Group Finals with Trio of Winning Entries
Kyneton was proudly in the spotlight recently as the Kyneton Agricultural Society hosted the Group Final Awards for the Victorian Agricultural Societies, welcoming competitors and guests from across the region for a day of celebration, community and country show excellence.
The event brought together around 120 attendees representing 11 agricultural societies, all vying for a place at the prestigious state finals. Winners across a range of categories had already claimed first prize in their respective Shows, earning the opportunity to compete at a regional level in Kyneton.
Kyneton was proudly represented among the winners, achieving top honours in three categories. Kim McGeachin impressed judges with a beautifully crafted pair of hand-knitted socks, proving that skill and dedication transcend age, and that younger entrants can more than hold their own against seasoned competitors. Mabel Pearce claimed success in the Junior Boiled Fruit Cake category, a well-earned achievement after years of persistence and determination representing Kyneton at the Group Final level. Her commitment has finally paid off, taking the cake with her winning Junior Boiled Fruit Cake.
Ian Kohlman continued his remarkable run with a win for his Carrot Cake. Ian’s victory is particularly noteworthy, as he has taken out the state title for the past two years and is now aiming for an impressive hat trick at this year’s State Final.
The Kyneton Agricultural Society congratulates all three winners and wishes them every success as they progress to the next stage of competition.
Kyneton Agricultural Society President, Louise Conron, described the event as a resounding success, highlighting the high calibre of entries across all categories.
March 2026STORAGE SOLUTIONS
A generous offer from a newly appointed committee member is set to improve behind-the-scenes facilities at the Watts Pavilion. The member, whose family runs Designerform, has arranged the donation of custom-built cabinetry to provide a new storage solution for use outside of show time.
The cabinetry will help us to better store equipment and materials when the show is not in operation, improving efficiency and protecting important assets year-round. Committee members have welcomed the contribution, highlighting the importance of practical, long-term improvements to support the event’s ongoing success.Installation has taken place, with the new storage solution expected to benefit volunteers and organisers well beyond the show period.
March 2026
MEET THE 2026 KYNETON SHOW COMMITTEE!
Introducing the dedicated executive team leading the way for this year’s Show:
President: Louise Conron
Vice President: James Bone
Secretary: Josephine Rutledge
Treasurer: Joanne Sheahan
Head of Pavilion: Liza Martin
Volunteer Coordinator & OH&S: Kim McGeachin
Pictured alongside the executive following our AGM are: Kim McGeachin, Christine Jessup – Wellbeing, Nicola Turner – Pavilion Steward, Ian Kohlman – Woodwork Tent, Linda Huf – Sponsorship, James Bone, Kim Cash – Farm Shed, Renai Dudley – Entries, Louise Conron, Nicole Laity – Lego, Helen Heinrich – Horses, Jacquelynn Dudley, Josephine Rutledge, Liza Martin, Wendy Morrisey – Procurement officer, Jo Sheahan, Sarah Connelly – Photography Steward, Craig Dudley – Community area and Minh Ha – Life on the Land. Also on our committee and not pictured are: Toni Atkinson – Farm Shed, Pam Leaver – Poultry, Paul Fox, Andrew Ferrington, Kerryn Douglas – Trade site manager, Michael O’Sullivan – Community area and Georgie Webster
It has been exciting to welcome new members to our committee for 2026 and as always, we extend a huge thank you to the incredible group of volunteers who bring their passion and expertise to making the Kyneton Show bigger and better each year. We can’t wait to see you at this year’s 164th show!
March 2026RECYCLING INTO COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Sustainability and community spirit went hand in hand at last year’s Kyneton Agricultural Show, with a simple recycling initiative delivering meaningful local impact.
As part of its ongoing push towards sustainability, the Kyneton Agricultural Show introduced Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme across the showgrounds. Special collection bags were attached to general waste bins, making it easy for patrons to recycle eligible cans and bottles rather than sending them to landfill.
The initiative proved both popular and effective, with more than $300 raised through container refunds over the two-day event. Rather than keeping the funds, the Kyneton Agricultural Society chose to donate the full amount to the Kyneton Men’s Shed, recognising the vital contribution the group makes to the success of the annual show.
The Men’s Shed has long been a quiet powerhouse behind the scenes of the Kyneton Show. Members generously donate countless volunteer hours throughout the year, repairing, fixing and maintaining a wide range of equipment and infrastructure used across the showgrounds.
One of their most visible contributions is the much-loved Woodwork Tent, which runssmoothly each year thanks to the Men’s Shed. Members spend many hours in advance cuttingtimber templates that allow children to build their own toolboxes, toy cars and other projects,giving young showgoers a hands-on experience that is both fun and educational.
The recycling initiative highlighted how small actions at community events can have a ripple effect — reducing waste, supporting sustainability and giving back to the volunteers whohelp make the Kyneton Show such a success year after year.
January 2026
Pictured are Kyneton Agricultural Society president Louise Conron with Kyneton Men’s Shed president Ian Curnow.
CELEBRATING OUR NEW LIFE MEMBERS
The Kyneton Agricultural Society's annual Christmas break-up took place on Friday, 28th November, 2025. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for all our volunteers to gather, celebrate the recent show, and express gratitude to everyone who contributed to making it a remarkable community event. The dedication of our volunteers is crucial to the success of the show, and we extend a huge thank-you to each person involved.
This year, we also had the privilege of providing special recognition to four outstanding community members for their significant contributions to the Kyneton Agricultural Society. Gwen Organ, Helen Aldridge, Craig Dudley, and Ron Rutledge were honoured for their exceptional dedication and awarded life membership. We extend our deepest congratulations to them and thank them for their many years of invaluable service.
Pictured are our new life members Ron Rutledge, Craig Dudley, Gwen Organ and Helen Aldridge.
November 2025LIFE-SAVING PARTNERSHIP
Thank you to The Lions Club of Kyneton!
The Kyneton Agricultural Show proudly acknowledges its continued partnership with the Lions Club of Kyneton. Recently, a generous donation from the Lions Club has enabled us to install a defibrillator at the Watt’s Pavilion, enhancing the safety of our visitors and participants.
Pictured is our President Louise Conron and Secretary Josie Rutledge accepting this life-saving equipment from members of the Kyneton Lions Club - Dennis Bertonchini, Robert Scott and Lindsay Potter.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Lions Club for their support in bringing this vital, life-saving equipment to our facility. We eagerly anticipate welcoming The Lions Club and their ever-popular train back at the 2025 Kyneton Show.
July 2025
STATE CARROT CAKE CHAMPION
2025 VAS Carrot Cake State Final Winner
Exciting news for our community! A massive congratulations to Ian Kohlman for being crowned the 2025 Victorian Agricultural Shows Carrot Cake Champion. Ian's culinary skills have truly shone, bringing home this prestigious title. Well done, Ian!
We also want to celebrate Nicole Laity for achieving 2nd place in the Handmade Cards category at the state final held in Bendigo in July 2025. Her artistic flair has truly been acknowledged.
As we gear up for the 2025 show, now is the perfect time to think about what you might want to showcase. Perhaps you have a carrot cake recipe that could take home the top prize at this year’s event?
Stay updated by checking our website or following our social media channels to be notified when entries open. We can't wait to see you and your entries at this year's show!
July 2025VICTORIAN AGRICULTURAL SHOW AWARDS2025 People’s Choice and Best Innovation - Country Parkour
The Kyneton Agricultural Show is thrilled to be recognized as a finalist at the Victorian Agricultural Shows 2025 Show Awards, celebrated at their annual convention in July 2025.
We are honored to be among the top 10 finalists in two categories: the People’s Choice Award and Best Innovation for our Country Parkour. Our team, including President Louise Conron, Pavilion Manager Renai Dudley, along with Ian Kohlman and his wife Deb, were present to accept these nominations on behalf of the Kyneton Show.
If you haven't experienced the show yet, be sure to save the date and join us this year on Friday, 14th November, and Saturday, 15th November. Discover first-hand why we are among the top 10 agricultural shows in Victoria.
July 2025
2025 COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR!
The Kyneton Agricultural Show was proudly named Community Event of the Year at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Community Awards in May 2025.
The award recognises the huge effort that goes into bringing the Show to life each year and is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of the many volunteers who make it happen.
If you’re keen to be a part of this iconic local event, it’s not too late to get involved and help make the magic happen. It’s a great way to connect with the community, meet new people, and help create something truly special. Please contact the Show on 0487 242 410 for more information.
The Show continues to grow as a much-loved celebration of local talent, agriculture, and rural life and the committee is anticipating that the 2025 Show will be the most successful yet, with exciting new attractions planned.
So, mark those calendars folks, the countdown is on for the event that brings the community together. Friday 14th November 5.30pm - 10pm and Saturday 15th November 9am - 4pm.
May 2025Meet the 2025 Kyneton Show Committee!
We’re delighted to announce the dedicated executive team leading the way for this year’s Show:
President: Louise Conron
Vice President: Helen Heinrich
Secretary: Josie Rutledge
Treasurer: Joanne Sheahan
Head of Pavilion: Renai Dudley
Volunteer Coordinator & OH&S: Kim McGeachin
Pictured alongside the executive following our AGM are: Jesse Liwag – Photographers Coordinator, Craig Dudley – Community Area Manager, Toni Atkinson – Farm Shed, Ian Kohlman – Woodwork Tent Coordinator, Linda Huf - Sponsorship, Renai Dudley, Louise Conron, Paul Fox – Woodwork Tent, Andrew Ferrington – General Committee Member, Katherine Rodriguez - Volunteers, Kim Cash – Farm Shed, Wendy Morrissey – Lego Pavilion, Josie Rutledge, Helen Heinrich, Kerryn Douglas – Trade Site Manager, Kim McGeachin, Liza Martin – Photography Steward, Christine Jessup – Well Being and Minh Ha - Grants. Also on our committee and not pictured are Joanne Sheahan, Brendan Smith – Sustainability Manager, Nicole Laity – Lego Pavilion and Pam Leaver – Poultry Steward
A huge thank you to the incredible group of volunteers who bring their passion and expertise to making the Kyneton Show bigger and better each year. We can’t wait for what’s to come in 2025!
March 2025