Diversity and inclusivity will be the cornerstone of next year’s Berwick Show, thanks to a collaboration between the Berwick Show Committee, local council, community leaders and a funding pledge from the Liberal Government.
Gembrook MP and Berwick Liberal candidate Brad Battin met with members of the show committee last week to announce an elected Matt Guy Liberal Government would invest $200,000 over four years to increase inclusiveness at the Berwick Show.
A true community event, the annual Berwick Show is a landmark event for the rapidly growing Casey region, with a history stretching back over 170 years, and attracting tens of thousands of people.
Today, the Berwick Show Society is proud of the significant role agricultural and horticultural exhibits and events continues to play in the show, hosting some of the largest livestock exhibits outside of the Melbourne Royal Show.
The Liberal Party said the commitment would support the development of new events and exhibitions to increase inclusivity across both multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities, so that the rich diversity of Casey can be celebrated by all.
Member for Gembrook and Liberal candidate for Berwick, Brad Battin, said the Berwick show was a melting pot of the region’s history and its diverse population.
“This funding will support an even more diverse show, better reflecting the people who call Berwick and wider Casey home.”
Berwick Show secretary Margaret Boon said along with the committee, she was excited about the potential to make the show more inclusive.
“We’ve been engaging with community group leaders, letting them know we’re here and making sure they know that they can participate,” she said.
Next year’s show will work around the theme ‘we are one, welcome everyone’ Mrs Boon said.
“We’re excited to be able to include community groups from the planning point of view, not just in terms of attendance,
“We’re working with community groups to find out how we can make it more inclusive and what the groups are looking for in the Show.”
After Covid restrictions prevented the show from running to its full potential over the last two years, Mrs Boon said the show committee is looking forward to welcoming the general public again.
“Welcoming the public back will be just amazing. I think the community is looking for an event like this to attend as well,” she said.
The Berwick Show 2023 will be held at Akoonah Park on 25-26 February.
