Looking forward on Saturday to opening the 2024 Club Mulwala Yarrawonga – Mulwala Agricultural Show this Friday October 4 and Saturday October 5 is Brian Keenan OAM. The official opening time is 12 noon on the Saturday.
Brian Keenan OAM vividly remembers his involvement in Yarrawonga’s annual Spring Show attractions since riding a pony in the 1947 show.
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“I organised a Shetland pony event and had the trotters here,” he said. “We had working bees on the farm, making six sullies with 16 inch wheels – they were great for grandkids and everyone to see.”
Mr Keenan, 88, will officially open Yarrawonga’s 139 th show. “It’s a great honour because of my involvement every year with the show since 1939,” he said.
“The show is a great event and since its inception it’s bringing people together to show what people have done, what they do and how they’re going.
“Lines of draught horses, trotters, entertainment for people – it’s all on show. The boxing tent in years gone by was great.
Brian Keenan OAM vividly remembers his involvement in Yarrawonga’s annual Spring Show.
“Technically the show was a rural type event. Now everything’s on show, on display by and for everyone, Mums and kids exhibiting items in the main pavilion – it’s what the district is all about. I encourage everybody to get along and admire all about our district.”
Long-time friend of Brian’s, former Yarrawonga Group Officer in the fire brigade movement, Peter Macpherson said he was “very pleased” with the show society’s selection of the person to officially declare open this year’s show, “for all the good Brian has done for the community”.
“The CFA, the SES, all he’s given to the Yarrawonga community – he’s been community-minded all his life – it’s such as deserving selection,” Peter said.
A three-time Life Member of the CFA, SES and Victorian Ambulance, and Moira Shire Mayor in 2013, Brian was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours Awards for outstanding service to the community.
He is an Honorary Life Member of Yarrawonga and District Agricultural and Pastoral Association in 2000 and was an association council member from 1970 to 2000. A most fitting choice to open the show!
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