The Wodonga Show Society Inc. is grateful to the Wodonga and District Historical Society Inc. who have ensured the history of the Wodonga Show is recorded for future generations.
Please contact us if you have any photos and memories of the Wodonga Show – our history page is a live project and we are gradually adding to our collection including digitising hard copy documents that appear below:
The history of the Wodonga Show Society 1947-1997 by Jean Whitla and Wodonga Show history of 1991 to 2007.
In 1947 Shire President Cr. Charles F. Pollard called a public meeting for the purpose of discussing the forming of an Agricultural Society to raise funds for the proposed Wodonga Hospital. Cr. Pollard was in the inaugural President of the Wodonga Show Society and joined by seven past Shire Presidents as part of an original 25 member Wodonga Show Society committee.
In addition to the committee, there were 150 members of the inaugural Society. The original committee (pictured) comprised of C.C Sheather, C.H Ryan, J.A. Ford, J.S Hore, R.M Hall, A.G Richardson, P.J Newbound, P. Frawley, E.B Mann, S.M Manning, J.A Street, V. Hempel, A. Arnold, A.E Winnett, J.D Turner, T.E Snowdon, S.D Klinge, J. Lambourn, R. Richardson, C.F Pollard, H.D Watson, G.R Hancock.
The first Wodonga Show was held on Saturday 6 March 1948.
Forty district farmers guaranteed £400 in prize money; £321 was taken at the gate, and money from entry fees totaled £50.
A profit of £50 (equivalent to $3,653 today) was made for the Wodonga Hospital (pictured).
In the early 1950’s, a half day local holiday was declared, and Wodonga businesses were well represented at the Show demonstrating their wares and showing off the latest in farm machinery and road vehicles.
High Street shops decorated their windows with a Show theme. Debentures were a common way for the Show Society to stay fluid in their finances, with property being bought and sold and sheds and pavilions being erected.
None of the original buildings on the showground reserve remain today. In the early days the financial affairs and day to day operation of the Show Society could be scrutinized by all interested parties with the Border Morning Mail sending a reporter to every meeting and reporting in great detail. In 1952, for two shillings you could guess the weight of the sheep with the chance of winning £5/5/-.
In March 1957, the Border Morning Mail announced:
“Wodonga Shops will be closed on Saturday March 23 the day of the annual show. Chief Secretary’s office in Melbourne advised the Shire Secretary, Mr. H. Sike, that the holiday had been gazetted.”
Mothers would look forward to buying a new hat, girls were excited about a new dress, and gents and boys would also prepare for the annual Show as attendance was considered a dress-up affair. Farmers who paraded their cattle were expected to wear a coat and tie.
The seventh Wodonga Show held on 20 March 1954 was described by the local press as “a mammoth success, and probably exceeded the expectations of the most optimistic person connected with the society.”
The article in the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel (26 March 1954, pictured) continued with “From early in the day there was a steady flow of traffic to the ground, which increased as the day advanced until 8000 people had assembled and created a record.”
The Sentinel reported that “gate takings totalled £800.”
A feature of the show was the parade. It was really good and gave those who did not have the opportunity of going through the whole display an opportunity of seeing some of the live exhibits at least. However, not all of the traditional attractions at the Show were present or missed:
Another pleasing feature of the day was the absence of the customary offensive noises made by a section of the sideshow people. For that reason the function was one of the quietest held here or in nearly any other centre. It was all the better for it.
Mr Bertie Reuss was the chief steward of the Wodonga Show’s produce pavilion for 30 years, taking over the role from Eddie Schulz. For many of those years produce was brought for judging on the day before the Show opened to the public. Mr Reuss learnt very quickly that possums in the nearby trees looked forward to the overnight storage of the produce and treated it as a smorgasbord, especially prepared for them.
They would get into the pavilion through the cavity between the roof and walls, feast and leave previously perfect exhibits with teeth marks and chunks out of them, plus the tracks of possum paws along the display tables. Mr Reuss used to say the possums enjoyed it all so much they almost left “Thank You” notes! However, not to be outdone, Mr Reuss began sprinkling the exhibits with generous shakes of cayenne pepper before he locked the pavilion after judging. Consequently, the produce was in perfect condition to be admired by the public.
Until the early 1980’s (and possibly longer but not recorded) the exhibited fruit and vegetables were sold and the proceeds donated to the Wodonga Hospital. In 2003, the Prime Steer Fundraiser attracted $1750 that also went to the Wodonga Hospital.
Robert “Rob” Richardson was Wodonga Show Society President from 1949 to 1961. A stock dealer by trade, he was known to arrange the walking of stock from Roma (Western Queensland) to Wodonga for sale.
Bob was at one time Captain of the Rural Fire Brigade and President of the Wodonga Turf Club for more than 30 years. His son, Bill Richardson (pictured), followed in his father’s footsteps with extensive service to the Wodonga and district communities. “Richardson Park” in Wodonga is named after Bob Richardson.
In 1962 President, Mr Jack Hamilton–Smith (pictured) asked that serious consideration be given to the forming of a Wodonga Show Society’s Ladies Committee to help with social activities and help improve the Society’s finances. Mr Hamilton-Smith as President of the Wodonga Show Society from 1962 to 1974. He was a horseman, breeder, rider, exhibitor and judge. Hamilton-Smith Drive, linking Wilson Street and Brockley Street, is named in his honour.
Dot Lindsay, was Wodonga Show Society Secretary 1950 to 1959. Apart from all things administrative for the Show, Dot’s passion was dogs which she bred, showed and cared for. Nance Sumner, Assistant Secretary 1950-1992, came on board to help her friend Dot Lindsay.
Together they worked from Dot’s home apart from the occasions when the Wodonga Show Society would rent a shopfront close to Show time to take entries. Nance used the old fashioned cut and paste to prepare schedules, cutting up the old schedule, making amendments and pasting into a new arrangement to take to the printer. In a small article (pictured) on page 2 of the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel, 12 March 1954:
Mrs Lindsay reports that the entries for the forthcoming Show at Wodonga (March 20) will establish an all time record.
That sounds healthy.
The attractions and competitions were not the only drawcards for patrons to the Wodonga Show. For some it was the traditional show fare, such as the ‘famous’ Dagwood Dog. Show patron Cassandra shared a candid photo of her family taking the first bite through the tomato sauce, into the hot fluffy batter to the steaming hotdog (or frankfurter) served on a stick (or skewer.)
For those reading from overseas or unfamiliar with the Dagwood Dog, in its simplest form, it was a hotdog covered in batter except there was something unique about both the batter and tomato sauce it was served with. Cassandra reflected “Nan always used to take us as kids, so mum thought she would take us only to get a Dagwood Dog. Best day with my sister and son” in 2017. Other popular food choices included hot chips and fairy floss which always seemed to have a unique taste associated with a local show.
The Wodonga Historical Society has ensured the history of the Wodonga Show is recorded and preserved for future generations. This article by Uta Wiltshire includes an impressive image of the prize-winning goat parade at the 1962 Wodonga Show. The slightly damaged article is a reminder to be careful how these artefacts are stored – the wall fixing has slowly disolved the newsprint and stained the original article that has been on the Wodonga Show Society’s office noticeboard since – well we suspect since March 2017!
Fortunately, the Wodonga Historical Society maintains such records in good condition and has been a valued exhibitor at the Wodonga Show for many years.
This article is one of many that has been on display at the Wodonga Show Society Inc’s offices at the Wodonga Showgrounds. However we cannot locate a date or where this article was published. If anyone can help us, please get in contact.
Roy Hempel, a retired woolclasser, reflected on his contribution to the annual Wodonga Show and in particular how “good for the city people to see the agricultural aspects of the show.” The annual Show Mr Hempel refers to in the article was conducted over two days and included two free country music festivals and fireworks sponsored by local business Visy. Please contact the Wodonga Show Society Inc. if you can help us date and source this article.
The Wodonga Show Society reported cancelling the 2015 Wodonga Show ‘was not an easy decision but it was left with very few options.’ The annual show was scheduled to be held in March however the Ulysses motorcycle club hired the showgrounds for its annual general meeting that attracts more than 4,000 people over a week. The 2015 Wodonga Show Society president Len Hogan (pictured before the 2024 Wodonga Show) stated that “the show being held just before the Ulysses meeting, there was not enough time to prepare the site.” As the sequence of country and city shows is regulated, moving the Wodonga Show to a different date was not an option available to the Wodonga Show Society.
Seventy years after Wodonga Shire President, Cr Charles Pollard formed the first society to run an annual show for families in Wodonga, many favourites including horses, alpacas, cattle and sideshow alley featured at the 2017 Wodonga Show. This article featured in the Citylife publication, which is understood to be no longer in circulation in Victoria.
George Coyle (pictured), was a member of the Wodonga Show Society committee from early on. His speciality was sheep and dairy cattle.
George was Chief Steward for the Sheep Pavilion and was a generous and regular donor to the Ladies Auxilliary of which his wife Blanche was a foundation member. George died in August 2018 just days after turning 104 years of age; and at the time, was Wodonga’s oldest man.
After a four year hiatus, the 2020 Wodonga Show was well attended according to local reports. However it was noted that attendance may have been down due to COVID-19 taking into consideration that the Show was held on the 14 March 2020 – just before the first national lockdown! Highlights from the 2020 Wodonga Show included Chris Humfrey the Animal Trainer and Nicholas Dacomb, who did a high wire and circus act that entertained the children. One of the highlights was Maggie Moo (pictured) who amused children with dancing and joining them on the rides. Maggie made a few friends by handing out the donated Kiewa Chocolate Milk . There was a lot of interest in the Young Farmers Challenge and organisers managed to get a Rural Ambassador. The RFDS Simulator and Amusements ensured those who attended had a good time.
The Wodonga Show was one of many local events that was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 show was one of many Victorian and New South Wales shows not held as communities came to terms with COVID-19 and a horrific bushfire season.
The Wodonga Show Society cancelled the 2023 Wodonga Show due to increased insurance costs and entertainment coupled with a lack of fundraising and committed to working hard to see the annual show return in 2024. A post on the Society’s Facebook page said the Wodonga Show (Society) committee did not believe a show was possible in 2023 and sought volunteers and helpers to ensure the future of the Wodonga Show.
The Australian Rural and Regional News reported:
“It will be a traditional family affordable show for all with free entry for all kids 17 and under plus lots of free activities such as jumping castles, animal nursery, circus, horse and carriage rides and a sheep shearing and blacksmith display plus the horse riding events and the CWA will also be making a return. Adults entry fee will be $10.” The Wodonga Show Society worked just as hard as their predecessors to ensure special events were a feature at the 75th (2024) Wodonga Show including Sandy Creek Clydesdales and Jess riding ‘Diago’ competing in the horse events (pictured).
The 2025 Wodonga Show ‘exceeded expectations’ according to one patron, and “had a real country show feel’ according to another. Over 4,000 residents and visitors walked through the gate on the day and enjoyed the usual fare and fun of a country show. The new two day format included the main show day on 15 March, with the equestrian competition events held a week later on the 22 March. The latter certainly had the pick of the weather for the year! The 2025 Wodonga Show saw the return of competitions, attractions and stalls which proved that the show will not just survive – it will thrive.
In 1952, The Argus (now The Age) reported that attendance at the Wodonga Show was 2,500 patrons through the gate in addition to the large number of members. A four column article in the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel (pictured) published on Friday 28 March 1952 stated: The fifth Annual Show staged by the above Society held on Saturday, was very successful despite heavy rain preceding the event and damp conditions on the day. The exhibits in most sections were very good, but the cattle were outstanding. So much so that an authority claimed that they were the equal of any in any provincial show.
The gate receipts were £420 which gives a clear indication that the attendance was very good. It has to be remembered also that there is a big membership list. Since last show the area on which the grandstand and offices are built, has been extended in a westerly direction and it is a remarkable improvement. The removal of the fence was carried out by a number of stalwarts. Mirs. Lindsay as usual did not spare herself in carrying out the secretarial duties. She worked long and hard but would be very pleased with the result. The 1952 attendance demonstrated huge community support for the annual show as the Wodonga population at the time was 5,000.
Foundation President 1947
Charlie was born at Bonegilla in 1885. His wedding to Florrie Boyes was the first wedding in the Methodist Church at Leneva.
President 1962-1974
John Hamilton-Smith was a horseman – a breeder, rider, exhibitor and judge. He judged all sections of riding and show jumping in all capital cities in Australia.
President 1975-1977
Born in Albury Hospital on 4th July, 1948, John was educated at Barnawartha Primary and Wodonga High Schools before leaving in 1966 to work on the family farm at Browns Plains.
President 1978-79
Albert Barton born in Gordonvale, Queensland in 1939 he came back to this district to work on his father’s farm at Bonegilla about 1950.
President 1980-81, 1993-1997
Born in Tallangatta, Peter Adam’s family has been farming in the Kiewa Valley since 1902.
President 1982-1992
Born in Albury in 1925 to Charles and Florrie (nee Boyes) Pollard. Schooled at Bonegilla primary school, after which he worked on the family farm milking cows.
Foundation Secretary 1947-1949
Melville Lambourn began work at Dalgety’s in Albury before taking a position as Clerk with the Victorian State Electricity Commission in about 1949.
Secretary 1950-1959
Mrs. Dot Lindsay was the Wodonga Show Society’s second secretary, taking the position vacated by Mr. Mel Lambourn in 1950 and staying for 10 years.
Assistant Secretary 1950-1992
Almost everybody who had anything to do with the Wodonga Show Society from 1950 to 1992, remembers Mrs. Nance Sumner. Born on 22nd December 1911 she married William Edward Sumner on 20th November 1943.
Secretary 1960-1962
Mr. Hurst Gray was the Show Society’s third Secretary. He lived in Nilmar Avenue and it is probable that because one of his neighbours was Mrs. Nancy Sumner, he became involved in the Show Society through her enthusiasm.
Show Secretary 1964-1973
Mr. Stockdale came to Wodonga from Gippsland in the late 1930’s/early 1940’s and worked in telecommunications for the Postmaster General’s Department all over north east Victoria.
Secretary 1977-1981
Cecil Herbert Garrett was born in West Australia on 12th May, 1915, at the small gold mining town of Westonia where his father managed the town’s grocery store.
Secretary 1982-1990
Mrs. Lorraine McRae was born in Wodonga and went to school at the Wodonga Primary School and. High School.
Secretary 1993-19-
Mrs. Thelma Wright came to live in Albury in 1985 with her husband, Ian, and son and daughter, David and. Lorraine. Lorraine died in 1991.
Vice President Foundation Member
Born in the family home in Stanley Street (Upper Murray Family Care offices in 1996). Educated at Wodonga Primary School No. 37 and Albury Grammar School.
Foundation Member
He was born at Alexander on 6th March, 1916 but lived in Melbourne on and off until his teens.
Former Life Member
Mr. Vally Hempel was a member of the First Committee of the Wodonga Show Society and stayed on to become a Life Member.
Ladies Auxiliary and Wife of President
Mrs. Grace Hamilton-Smith was the daughter of Mark and Rosina Ellwood who moved into Wodonga to live in 1934 when their farm was acquired for the Hume Weir.
Life Member
Roy travelled to Wodonga to attend school at the building presently occupied by the Continuing Education Centre.
Wodonga Show Society People
Mr. Neil Bottrell joined the Committee of the Wodonga Show Society on 18th September 1955 when Mr. John Hamilton-Smith thought he’d be an ideal committeeman
Wodonga Show Society People
When Jim Parker joined the Wodonga Show Society Committee in 1949/50 he was its youngest member – aged 21.
