Wimmera Shows Shine on the State Stage
The Wimmera agricultural show movement is celebrating a remarkable achievement, with multiple shows, volunteers, initiatives and emerging young leaders from across the region recognised as finalists in the 2026 Victorian Agricultural Shows Awards and State Ambassador Program.
Finalists and award winners will be celebrated at the Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention Dinner in Wangaratta on Saturday, June 20, where the Wimmera will be proudly represented across several prestigious categories.
Among the highlights, Donald Show has been named a finalist in the Best Marketing Campaign (Medium Section) category, recognising the show’s strong community engagement, innovative promotion and commitment to showcasing the best of rural Victoria.
Donald Show has also been recognised in the Best Innovation Award (Medium Section) category for its groundbreaking “Shining a Light on Health & Wellbeing” initiative. The program brought together health services, wellbeing activities and community organisations to support the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents, demonstrating how agricultural shows can play a vital role beyond the showgrounds.
Adding to the celebrations, Nicole Nunn, president of the Donald Show and president of the Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association (WASA), has been named a finalist in the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award. Nicole’s nomination acknowledges her many years of volunteer service, leadership and dedication to strengthening agricultural shows across both the local and state show movement.
The Wimmera’s success extends beyond Donald, with Goroke Show named a finalist in the Best Marketing Campaign (Small Section) category, highlighting the outstanding work being undertaken by volunteer committees across the region.
Young Wimmera Leader
The Wimmera will also be represented in the Junior Show Ambassador State Final, with Lucinda Smith of Goroke Show selected as a state finalist following her success at regional level earlier this year.
WASA president Nicole Nunn said Lucinda’s selection highlighted the strength of young leadership emerging from regional communities.
“Lucinda embodies everything that is great about our agricultural show movement,” Nicole said. “She is passionate, community-minded and committed to ensuring the next generation becomes involved in local shows. We are incredibly proud to see her representing the Wimmera at state level and wish her every success in the final.”
People’s Choice
The Wimmera has also made a significant impact in the highly contested Victorian Agricultural Shows People’s Choice Award, with Donald Show, Goroke Show and Horsham Show all named among the state’s Top 10 finalists.
The award recognises shows that have captured the hearts of their communities and demonstrated excellence in delivering memorable experiences for patrons, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors.
Outstanding Volunteers
WASA also congratulated Emma Bourke of Stawell Show, who has been recognised as a finalist in the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award, acknowledging her passion, dedication and significant contribution to the agricultural show movement.
A Strong Showing for the Wimmera
WASA president Nicole Nunn said the breadth of nominations demonstrates the strength, innovation and resilience of agricultural shows across the region.
“These nominations are a testament to the incredible volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our agricultural shows thriving. Our shows are much more than a day out – they bring communities together, celebrate our rural heritage and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect and participate.
“To have multiple Wimmera shows, volunteers and young leaders represented at a state level is something our entire region should be proud of. It demonstrates the strength of country communities and the important role agricultural shows continue to play.
“Whether it’s innovative community programs, outstanding marketing, dedicated volunteers or emerging young leaders, the Wimmera continues to punch above its weight and showcase the very best of regional Victoria.”
The Victorian Agricultural Shows Awards recognise excellence, innovation, volunteerism and community impact across agricultural shows throughout the state.
With finalists spanning marketing, innovation, individual contribution, youth leadership and the People’s Choice Award, the Wimmera will once again be proudly represented on the state stage.
Wimmera Finalists – 2026
Donald Show: Best Marketing Campaign (Medium Section) Finalist; Best Innovation Award (Medium Section) Finalist.
Nicole Nunn (Donald Show): Outstanding Individual Contribution Finalist.
Goroke Show: Best Marketing Campaign (Small Section) Finalist.
Lucinda Smith (Goroke Show/Wimmera Group): Junior Show Ambassador State Finalist.
Emma Bourke (Stawell Show): Outstanding Individual Contribution Finalist.
People’s Choice Award Top 10 Finalist: Donald Show, Goroke Show, and Horsham Show.
