Vicki and Julie as toddlers at the Shepparton Show.
For twin sisters Vicki Mitchell and Julie Winch, the Shepparton Show is more than an annual event — it is a lifelong family tradition.
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Born just six minutes apart and raised in Mooroopna, the sisters have spent more than 60 years connected to the show, following in the footsteps of generations before them.
Their family’s involvement with the show dates back to early show days, with relatives previously showing livestock and playing important roles within the show community.
Their own journey began when they were toddlers after suffering severe eczema as babies and while discovering they were allergic to cow’s milk, their parents turned to goat’s milk as an alternative.
From there, their parents established a small dairy goat herd, introducing the twins to the world of showing from a very young age.
“Mum put us on goat’s milk and it cleaned up instantly,” Julie said.
“We would've been about two,” Vicki said.
“And we’ve been involved in showing ever since.”
The sisters have fond memories of their childhood at the show, including changing into their special show dresses after helping with the goats, although one encounter with a bull ant nest during a picnic one year ensured long pants for the years that followed.
Today, both women continue to play key roles in keeping the Shepparton Show running, with Vicki serving as vice-president and Julie as secretary.
Julie has been involved with the committee for almost two decades, taking on the secretary position in 2008, while Vicki has also dedicated an equal amount of years to the committee and livestock sections.
Although, their passion lies particularly within the goat section, where they continue to promote and support exhibitors from across the region.
While the work involved in preparing for the show is significant, the sisters said the reward came from seeing everything come together.
“I enjoy the planning and getting everything ready for the show,” Julie said.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but to see a successful show, people coming through the gate and everyone happy, that’s the best feeling.”
For Vicki, the show is also about the people who make it happen.
“The volunteers are the lifeblood of the show,” she said.
“We couldn’t run a show without their enthusiasm, excitement and dedication to keep coming back.”
As the Shepparton Show celebrates 150 years, the sisters hope the milestone encourages more people — particularly younger generations — to become involved.
“You need young blood to come through and support the older people,” Vicki said.
But despite the years of service behind them, neither sister is ready to step away just yet.
“As long as the bodies fit, we’ll keep going,” they agreed.
Julie Winch at the Shepparton Show in 2011.
Photo by
Shepparton News
Vicki Mitchell with her boer goats on their Coomboona stud.
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