By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE Berwick Show is a family affair.
It has always been an event for loved ones to come together and celebrate their community and history.
None more so than for Debbie Akister’s family.
During the 2015 show’s official lunch on the weekend this year’s president, Debbie, recalled arriving at her first Berwick Show as a two-year-old on her beloved Shetland, Robroy Bobye.
“I rode when I was little – mum has always been into horses, it’s in her blood,” she said.
“I’ve been on the Berwick Show committee for 24 years now. After seeing my father and mother in their positions, I became a life member about 10 years ago.
“Then I just continued on from there.”
Debbie’s parents, John and Bev Byron, are both life members of the Berwick Show.
Mr Byron, a former City of Berwick councillor, spoke of his passion for the event when he officially opened the 169th show on Saturday afternoon.
“The committee has a tremendous task each year of trying to put the show on,” he told the Akoonah Park crowd.
“We’re fortunately or unfortunately in a situation where we’re right on the urban fringe. A lot of people probably wouldn’t come to the show to come to see the agricultural things, but a lot do.
“In putting the show together the committee has a tremendous task. They discuss it for 12 months, not always agreeing with each other as you can imagine. But it always ends up a very happy situation and a very happy show.”
Debbie and her sister, Vicki Hamilton, who was President of the Maffra Show in October, made Victorian Agricultural Society history this year.
It was the first time ever two sisters had been president in the same year.
“We compare notes constantly,” Vicki said.
“I’m proud of Deb and she’s proud of me. We’ve definitely come from a showing family.”
In closing his speech John Byron urged the Casey community to keep supporting the show to ensure its future.
“The future of shows in Victoria … I don’t know. It seems to me to be sliding off in some areas,” he said.
“If you can help us to protect this every year, please help these people. We’d appreciate hearing from you.”
