Donald Show Named Victoria’s Favourite

The Donald Show celebrated outstanding success at the 2026 Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention in Wangaratta on Saturday night, taking home several major awards.

The show was named winner of the People’s Choice Award and Best Marketing Campaign (Medium Section), while Nicole Nunn received the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award in the 40-59 years category.

The Donald Show was also recognised as runner-up in the Best Innovation (Medium Section) category for its initiative shining a light on health and wellbeing in the community.

With representatives from 49 agricultural shows attending the awards dinner, the recognition highlighted the dedication of the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the annual event.

The Donald Show received 721 votes from 2,518 people to claim the People’s Choice Award, finishing well ahead of runner-up Whittlesea, which received 255 votes.

“We are very fortunate to have a very small but productive team who just get in and get this done,” Nicole said while accepting the People’s Choice Award.

“This award belongs to every volunteer who has given their time, every exhibitor who has entered, every sponsor who has backed us, every committee member who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and every person who has walked through our gates and supported the show over the years.

“To be recognised by the public as Victoria’s favourite show is a testament to the passion, dedication and community spirit that makes the Donald Show so special. We may be a small rural community, but tonight we’ve shown that country communities can achieve extraordinary things.”

Nicole was also recognised for her 21 years of service to the Donald Show after receiving the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award.

The Victorian Agricultural Society (VAS) praised Nicole’s dedication and positive energy, saying she had helped evolve the Donald Show into an event the community looks forward to each year.

During her time with the show, Nicole has held every executive position and has played a key role in the growth and success of the event.

Her work promoting the Donald Show through social media was also recognised, helping the show secure the Best Marketing Campaign (Medium Section) award.

Alongside her role as president of the Donald Show, Nicole is president of the Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association, where she supports and represents 13 agricultural show societies across the Wimmera and southern Mallee to promote regional shows and strengthen the agricultural show movement.

“The team at the Donald Show is amazing and then you extend that to the Wimmera group – there is some pretty amazing women and men that I get to work alongside,” Nicole said.

“Getting involved in your agricultural shows is quite rewarding and you can also make some lifelong friends along the way.”

The Donald Show will return on October 9 and 10, with organisers preparing to build on the success recognised at the state awards.