South East Field Days celebrates 40th anniversary in 2018

Show secretary and Conmurra dairyfarmer Lyn Crosby said the show offered the agriculture industry an opportunity to see the best technology in one place, along with the diversity of the SE.

Exhibitors include engineers, textile and clothing manufacturers, as well as livestock, pasture and cropping industries, together with enterprising Australians showcasing their inventions.

“We encourage and showcase local industry and Australian–made products, including the Limestone Coast Food & Makers Group,” Mrs Crosby said. 

“There is a focus on rural health with the Lions Club sponsoring the Lions Skin Cancer Screening Van and the Wimmera Hearing Society van.” 

More than $2.2 million has been donated back into the community since the SE Field Days started.

Among the donations made this year were $15,000 for a bus at Longridge Retirement Village and $7562 for a medical chair at Lucindale Health Centre.

A total of $19,000 will be allocated to local organisations to help cover costs for managing gates and car parks at community events.

Mrs Crosby said she loved how the field days catered for all families. 

“We provide a variety of free entertainment suitable for all ages,” she said.

“I love that the community rallies behind the field days and that in return, the Lucindale Lions Club through the field days supports not only the local communities, but state and national charities as well.”

The whole Crosby family is heavily involved in the SE Field Days.

“My husband Doug and my son Ben are Lions Club members,” Mrs Crosby said.  

“My son Bob is one of our parcel couriers and my son Bill falls on his sword and looks after the dairy at home so we can attend the field days.”

Mrs Crosby is proud of the green site at Yakka Park, the great variety of food on offer and the clean toilets.

“Never underestimate the power of a clean toilet,” she said.

The 2018 SE Field Days is on March 16-17 at Yakka Park in Lucindale.

The South East Field Days helps keep Lucindale alive, according to long–time volunteer Rex Hocking.

Mr Hocking co-runs the Washpool Kelpie stud with his wife Kay at Avenue Range, west of Lucindale.

Mr Hocking has been involved with the field days since 1982 and has held roles including publicity officer, site steward and president.

More recently he has been involved in the yard dog trials, which attract about 150 dogs each year.

There is an improver and open course, and a maiden and novice course. 

“Interstate competitors love to come here for a challenge,” he said. 

He sees great purpose in the field days.

“It keeps the town alive with all the town involved and outlying areas,” he said. 

“All sporting clubs pull together and do their bit to raise money for the community.”