From lending a hand to leading a team

“I just reached out and asked if I could help,” he said.

Four years later, Justin is now the Shepparton Show Society’s head of volunteers, working alongside fellow volunteer Dave Hessien to co-ordinate a team of around 15 volunteers who help bring the annual event to life.

With the Shepparton Show celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Justin said the volunteer team would play an even bigger role than usual.

Preparation begins well before the show gates open, with volunteers helping install promotional banners and signage throughout Shepparton in the weeks leading up to the event, before assisting with a wide range of jobs during show week.

“It’s a real team effort,” Justin said.

“We all work together to make sure everything gets done.”

The society is now calling for more volunteers to join the team ahead of this year’s milestone show.

Justin said volunteers needed to enjoy working with others, while also being capable of completing tasks independently when required.

A current Working with Children Check is essential, and volunteers should be reliable, hard working and willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

For Justin, however, the greatest reward isn’t the work itself.

“I’m just being happy being here and seeing everyone and all the families having a great time,” he said.

“It’s a great show and I love being a part of it all.”

Over the years, in addition to managing volunteers, Justin also serves as one of the show’s first aid officers and fire wardens, helping ensure the event runs safely for exhibitors, competitors and the thousands of visitors who attend each year.

The society hopes more community members will consider volunteering, with opportunities available before and during the show.

Whether helping with event operations or supporting the team behind-the-scenes, volunteers are an essential part of making one of the region’s biggest community events possible.