I take this opportunity to congratulate the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society on another fabulous Sheepvention, which was held on 1 and 2 August this year. The weather was much more favourable this year, and that no doubt contributed to the record number of people attending Sheepvention, with a very noticeable increase in patronage on the Monday. Whilst the attendance figures almost always exceed those for the previous year, this year’s sheep entries skyrocketed due to renewed confidence in the wool industry.
It was also reported that there were strong attendances at the various industry seminars offered at the new pavilion. Sheepvention committee chairman, Philip Baulch, said approximately 94 per cent of the stock were sold, showing a high demand in the industry. He also said:
“Sheepvention went like clockwork this year, and that’s due to some very organised staff and volunteers.”
Many people stopped at our stall to chat, raise issues, take some information and sign petitions. We have done this now for six years, and we do it because it is a premier event in the region and draws crowds from all over western Victoria. There was also a very overwhelming response to our petition regarding library funding, with many people signing the petition over the two days. Community members were at a loss as to why the Baillieu government would even consider cutting funding for such an important service.
I need to advise the house that community members also raised their disgust at the Baillieu government’s decision to cut the Take a Break program. Again I congratulate the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society on another successful Sheepvention.