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2 SEPTEMBER 1997
Sir James Gobbo Jeff Kennett Bob Potter Governor of Victoria Premier of Victoria President, Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Limited
work and progress in agri- the exciting Snowy River culture, horticulture and vi- Cup. parachute jumping and ticulture and promotes the precision driving. use of leading edge techno- Most days will feature logy and world best practice the wonderful Grand Parade in value adding and export- of prize-winning livestock ing. HOWTIME in Melbourne brings to many people the HERE are few events VERY special wel- and horsedrawn vehicles. O Members of the Royal And every night the Show first real awareness of Spring each year, with all that which capture the spir- come to the 1997 Roy- S the new season means to Victoria and its people. T it of Victoria as glori- Agricultural Society of Vic- A al Melbourne Show — will be put to bed after ously and thoroughly as the toria have worked extra- unquestionably the biggest spectacular fireworks dis- The Royal Melbourne Show is a landmark event in our plays. U Royal Melbourne Show. ordinarily hard to ensure event in the "event state" state, widely recognised by millions of Victorians and and even more value- You will have a choice of While Victorians con- this year's event provides tourists alike as the annual showcase for the best in farm packed than before. exciting showbags officially tinue to embrace an ever old-fashioned fun while animals, agriculture, commerce and arts and crafts. There are so many mar- checked for quality and quickening pace of change, meeting lofty modern stan- It is a celebration of the entire agricultural chain in an vellous things to do and see value. it is heartening to also see a dards in terms of food and environment of education and entertainment. without spending another A wide range of Asian, handful of traditional favor- entertainment. cent after entering the European and Australian It is also the culmination of the year in agriculture and ites remaining popular. The Show heads an ex- grounds: thousands of com- foods will be enjoyed with agricultural business with a total of 122 regional shows tensive program of regional petitive entries for judging, Ever-growing attendance the best local wines and leading into the Royal Melbourne Show, together with a figures show this historic and rural shows across the including cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, cats, poultry, beers. range of field days and commercial competitions. recipe of city and country state, prepared by a predom- arts and crafts and many This year the horticulture influences has relevance in inantly volunteer work- In my first year of office as Governor, I welcome all others. display has been greatly the late 20th century, equal force, and I congratulate all Victorians and visitors to the 139th Royal Melbourne Show. Watch the roving street expanded and there will be to or even greater than 20 or of them for their efforts. I know that the abundance of agricultural wealth which entertainers, let the animal something for every garden 50 years ago. Last month, the tourism we will see displayed over the 11 days of the Show will walk take you to the Won- enthusiast. industry judged the Royal derful World of Pets or the serve as a timely reminder of our heritage in this A simple yet rich pleas- And in the Hall of Natu- Melbourne Show as one of popular Animal Nursery magnificent state. ure can be had by simply ral Fibres, see our special and Nature's Way plus watching a suburban pri- Victoria's biggest major display of natural fibres The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is continuing many more displays and mary school student patting festivals and special events. including wool, cotton, mo- to work hard to ensure that its rich traditions in this state are events. a lamb, feeding hay to a calf I encourage you to visit hair, cashmere and alpaca. not only perpetuated but enhanced as we move towards the or gingerly holding a duck- Among the Main Arena this year's Show and renew events will be world class The Royal Melbourne new century. ling in their cupped hands. your acquaintance with one showjumping over courses Show represents the very The Royal Melbourne Show is one delightful tradition in The Royal Melbourne of our most enduring and built by international Olym- best of Victoria. Don't miss which we can all share to help assure this. Show highlights our State's endearing annual events. pic course designers. See it!
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The next time you buy The Weekly Times, you'll find one of these beautiful Australian landscape posters inside, absolutely free. Start collecting this superb poster series now. tIEEKL IMES VOICE OF THE COUNTRY SINCE 1869
SEPTEMBER 1997
OFFICIAL ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW GUIDE An open show for everyone
Animal Walk — just look for the Animal attractions, Paddle Pop Lion and his huge paw prints painted on the main Show- with a hands-on grounds' thoroughfares! And this year, the Show launches emphasis, will be a its new Moonee Valley Racing Club Horses for Courses exhibit. Here. major feature at this visitors will find experts who can answer questions you have about year's Show horses and their care. Record numbers of showjumping ISITORS won't find many riders will contest new events on the fences at this year's Royal Main Arena especially for Olym- V Melbourne Show. That's be- pians, plus a Pacific League World cause it offers the inside story on Cup Qualifying showjumping round agriculture. on a course created by an Olympic Special exhibits mean visitors can 2000 course designer. get a hands-on introduction to the Special cattle step out into the animal kingdom. spotlight at the Show — many with See dogs, cats, guinea pigs, cage unusual names like Belted Galloway, birds, fish, frogs, rabbits, ferrets, Brahman and Highland. snakes and other animals people New classes have also been intro- keep at home at the special IAMS duced for their smaller cousins Wonderful World of Pets. including breeds like Lowline and The National Australia Bank Ani- Dexter. mal Nursery is the place for patting The Show welcomes Spring in the lambs, alpacas, piglets, ducks, goats expanded Halls of Horticulture with and many other kinds of animals an abundance of flowers, fruit, found on the farm. shrubs, trees, vegetables, commercial And for thrilling live action you stands and floral art competitions. can't go past the Victorian Dairy The Show prides itself on Admission. Industry Authority Nature's Way showcasing excellence in agricul- Adults $14 where visitors can see ostriches, ture, from the paddock to our plates. Children $7 (under 15) calves, lambs and goats born right This theme has provided inspi- Family 535 (2 adults, 2 before their eyes. ration for Michael O'Brien Catering children) To ensure you don't miss any of to deliver a feast of the best local Concession $10 our exciting animal attractions, take a products served in combinations to Groups (10 or more) $10 stroll along the Streets Paddle Pop tempt every palate. adults and S4 children. First two days (Sept 18 and 19) flat $7 entry. Gates: Open 9am to 10pm daily. HOLIDAYS TO WIN Thrills and excitement Sunday. September 28. 9am to 8.30pm. Enter at the Host Forms stand in the Dairy Pavilion. HE Royal Melbourne Show Parking: Flemington offers something for everyone. racecourse. Every day of the 1997 Royal FuN details: T Visitors will see roving street See Page 8. Show you could win a free farm theatre with magicians and per- or country retreat holiday courtesy formers, clowns, bands and puppets. of the Host Farms Association and the Australian Dairy Corporation . And the Weet-Bix Australian woodchopping, tug o' war, The competition is drawn daily at Strongman Challenge, Eukanuba whiperacking. pony rides, wine mak- 6pm during the show, from Flyers dogs, and pigs and ferret ing, farriers and beaut utes. The September 18 - 28 in the Dairy racing will feature on Showtime lawn Name Dugdale Theatre features continuous Pavilion. areas. shows from 1 I am to 5pm every day Address The Main Arena will see special including puppetry, story telling, horse events such as the Snowy River music, song and dance. Cup and camp drafting, parachute best livestock, and the sights and The Ronald McDonald McMagical jumping, motor sport, plus the Dr sounds of rural life come alive on P/code Phone Circus Show is on the Streets Lawn Pepper fireworks display every night. Contact: (03) 9650 2922 Farm Sunday, September 21. From Stage each Saturday from 12.15 to Explore the maze of sideshows, or 8am have breakfast with Macca while 12.50pm. Also on the stage is the Winners will be advised in writing by October 12, 1997, and published in ,he Heroic - brave thrilling rides. he presents ABC Radio's Australia police Showband Code 1, country Prizes must be token within 12 months. Prizes are not transferable in cash. _- The Rural Finance Corporation All Over from the grandstand. See and western, school and indigenous at a date (excluding school holidays and long weekends) suitable to the hc:.• Grand Parades showcase Australia's hay making, sheaf-tossing and bands.
BACKING YOUR INVESTMENT MEANS BACKING You
The Rural Finance Corporation understands best the link between farmers and financing. RFC Commercial loans are for profitability and the long term, understanding the variable seasons. We are also proud to encourage improvement with annual scholarships for tertiary stu and our Farming Vow Business course to The Rural Finance Corporation - Victoria Flan Liley from RIO" Rural Finance Coktkenrpo RI )RAE. FINANCI Scholarship Winner, 11%,, CORPORATION.** Joe \ ILAN ti ,ic 2hhti - Horsham (11.11 (10;2 - !-,licpr.)rton (031 5821 2(155 - Swan Hill (03) 7,0.12 '" ,(4) - 1 raral2,on (1)11 .517t, 17b1 - 1\ arinainhool 5502 " • 4 SEPTEMBER 1997
Alpaca accolade
ITH their curious expressions and softer-than-soft fleece, alpacas W are fast becoming a Showtime favorite. Proving the friendly creatures are much more than an exotic farming trend, alpacas have been named "feature fibre" at the Show this year — an accolade usually reserved for sheep. A record 200 alpacas from all over Australia will compete at the Show this year — the biggest gathering of alpacas in Australia and an entry higher than at the latest Alpaca National Show. Some 37 fleeces will also be judged separately. Alpacas are native to Chile or Peru where they are bred for their fleece and used as a utility or pack animal. Alpaca fleece is world famous for its soft feel and fine fibre, which is comparatively stronger than sheep wool and perfect for hard wearing but soft and lightweight garments. Jeff Halpin, at Seymour, in Victoria introduced alpacas to Australia in 1968. Today the Australian Alpaca Association says there are some 1300 breeders in the country, with 500 based in Victoria. Show visitors can watch the judging St from 9am Friday, September 26, in the VACC Ring of The Weekly Times Livestock Pavilion (map ref: B4). HE Main Arena, with its new and will be held on Friday, September 19, Mr Palacias will arrive in Melbourne gram for A, B, and C group horses, six- And for the first time, judging will be improved turf will host a feast of from 9am on the Main Arena. direct from Belgium after designing the bar and top score competitions. This year's Show also sees the return followed by an exclusive sale of five equestrian events, including a Vol- Competitors in this prestigious turnout World Breeding Championships' course. T of the ever-popular Puissance event — hand-picked alpacas also in the pavilion. vo/K Ritchie World Cup Showjumping event for women spend hundreds of Show patrons can see his handiwork at qualifying event during the Show. the Volvo/K Ritchie World Cup Quali- the ultimate test of courage for horse and If you want to get closer to alpacas or hours and thousands of dollars to meet rider. fier, held under lights on Thursday, chat to their breeders, don't miss the Record entries have been posted for the strict entry criteria. And who could miss the Clydesdales? September 25, at 7.15pm. action in The Weekly Times Livestock horse events. A highlight for horse jumping enthusi- Melbourne is proud to judge a higher Pavilion on Saturday, September 28. The spectacular action begins with asts at the Show will be the combined In recognition of this special event, the number of these horses (either solo or audience will be invited to sit on the Vistors can browse the stalls selling general judging on Thursday, September course designed by Victoria's John pulling a vehicle of some description) Main Arena close to the action. fleece and yarn, pat a cria (baby alpaca) 18. Jumping events will be held from Valiance and Venezuela's Leopoldo than any other Royal Show in Australia. or watch the junior judging workshops in September 20 to 28. Palacias. They will also design the Other Showtime equestrian inno- So hold on to your horses, this year's Show will be big. progress. The crowd favorite, the Garryowen, courses at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. vations include a new, improved pro-
THE SHOW Horses for courses ONLINE VER wondered what the difference • Stables will be home to different is between a thoroughbred and a horse breeds with accompanying infor- E quarter horse? mation on their purpose. See the diver- WHY not try surfing the Show Well, at this year's Show, there's no sity of shapes, sizes, color and confor- this year! All you need to know shortage of horse sense to answer this mation that owners can choose from. is again on the Internet at and any other questions if you visit the • A display with information on www.royalshow.com.au. new Moonee Valley Racing Club Horses horse care and how to get in touch with The site has all your interests for Courses display. pony clubs and other horse organisations. covered: showbags, rides, Each day of the Show, a child from the Horses for Courses is the Show's latest prices and transport, what's on, addition to its livestock education dis- audience will be given the opportunity to plays — specially designed for those step into a saddle for the first time under entertainment and pavilion who want to know about horses but have supervision of trained staff. directory, food, fun for free and little or no experience or knowledge In bringing Horses for Courses to life, a map. about equine care and maintenance. the Show worked closely with the Pony They can be all found at the Horses for Courses comprises three Club Association of Victoria. Show site put together in major components: Assistance has also been provided by conjunction with the University • A demonstration ring where horse the Northern College of TAFE, which of Melbourne. experts will discuss topics such as has a successful Horse Management equipment and rider safety, horse charac- Course catering primarily for the racing ter, health and conformation. industry.
alto THIS AUTHENTIC ABORIGINAL Name DREAMTIME PACKAGE... Address DIREAMTILMJE Didgeridoo. Boomerang . 41111;RESEt,TED by A collection of stamps from the 'Dreaming' and 'Ancient .4. Australia' stamp issues. Post Code See these products on display at the Show. Cut out this coupon and present it over the counter at the Show Post Shop, for your chance to win. Journey into a world of Ancient Australia at the Entries drawn September 27th at 3.00pm Australia Post Shop at the Show, where you can Australia Post Building Degraves Street. take part in the richness and diversity of our Royal Melbourne Show Map F4 unique heritage. Kanner will be notified by mail. No correspondence will be entered into. Soak up the spiritual beliefs of the Dreaming and the roar of the dinosaurs.
SEPTEMBER 1997 5
461 OFFICIAL ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW GUIDE IvEnut}nmEs I Mini cattle The best in in big time
HE country's smallest beet cattle will strut their stuff in a new class T of their own for the first time at the livestock Show cattle pavilions this year. The unusual breeds include Low lines. Square Meaters and Miniature Herefords. And who better to tell us about them HE Royal Melbourne Show has Lowlines and Dexters will vie for broad than Don Burke. When not hosting his played host to some of the best ribbons. top-rating program, Burke's T livestock the country has to offer For other four-legged fans, the Show Backyard, Don takes a special interest for decades and this year promises to be in breeding miniature cattle. will be home to more than 5000 horses no exception, despite trying seasonal Don will host a special commentary conditions in rural areas. competing in show jumping, dressage and harness classes. session on Miniature Galloway and During the Show, some 25,000 ani- Miniature British White breeds on mals will be on display — the best of the In the sheep classes, 23 breeds will be Friday, September 19. from hpm in the best in all creatures big and small — on display including black and colored VACC Ring of The Weekly Times from cats to cavies and alpacas to types as well as fleece classes. Livestock Pavilion (Map ref B4). Ayrshires. Alpacas are a feature at this year's Small cattle judging starts with the The Show is the biggest dog event in Show and a record number of about 200 Lowline breed in the Pavilion at 3pm. the southern hemisphere, a showdown where more than 6000 canines strut their from all over Australia will compete — Another unusual breed on show is stuff in a battle to decide top dog. a tally higher than the latest Alpaca Belgian Blue, just one of the mans. There will also be more than 1000 beef National Show. Some 37 fleeces will specialty cattle breeds exhibited at the cattle, including well-known breeds such also be judged. Show. as Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn, and Outside the Show ring, visitors can Others include Belted Gallowas s — . e white stripe or some of the not-so-well known such as find a host of companion animals in the known for their distinctis Bazadaise and Belgian Blues. belt on their coat — and the hardy LAMS Wonderful World Of Pets where Brahman, well known in northern Feature beef cattle breed this year is some of the more interesting pets kept by the Beef Shorthorn. Australia for its ability_ to survive in people will be on display. In the dairy cattle classes, the feature difficult conditions. breed is the Guernsey. This year's cattle So if you are looking for a furry friend, Jostling for the Show spotlight will be exhibition also includes a small breeds whether it's a domestic pet or farm the feature beef breed — the Beef section where miniature breeds such as animal, you'll find it at the Show. Shorthorn.
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R/R 90.50 $215°° OWN BRAND RIR $79.95 $ 75 00 $4995 without joining the Grand Parade. All Major Credit Cards & Eftpos Why go round and round in circles when the Met is running regular trains from Flinders Street to the showgrounds. The No 57 or 58 trams will also be 6. COUNTRY CLOTHING & SADDLERY running from Elizabeth Street. And you can avoid a performance at the gates Also at: MELBOURNE CRANBOURNE 0359964344 by picking up your show entry tickets from Met stations, there's even a ERA NICSTON 9781 3522 SHOWGROUNDS DANDENONG 9793 3477 discount on the 2 day Premier Pass. For more information call 131 638. 9376 2044 LILYDALE 9739 6822 MNGWOOD 9879 2988
6 SEPTEMBER 1997
Herald Sun OFFICIAL ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW GUIDE
BEST VALUE Here's some great Royal Melbourne year after year Folly t e Show value — and it's free!
COLLECT a free lemonade spider from the Department of Education display in the Government pavilion. TASTE some fabulous fresh fruit frees h althy road the Murray Valley in thatriellof Agnculture. arimeislythe ELLOW Brick Road showbag enthusiasts PAT the cute baby National Australia Bank animal will receive discount ticket offers for the nursery. y Wizard of Oz on Ice spectacular coming soon to Melbourne. The discount offer for one of the world's most famous musicals is just one of the many treats in These include ice-creams from award-winning the Royal Melbourne Show's healthiest showbag. manufacturer Riviera Ice-cream, Capilano honey, At $7. The Weekly Times' Yellow Brick Road tasty Sunbeam sultanas, fresh fruit and vegetables showbag is one of the show's best values for and, of course, a copy of The Weekly Times' big money. showtime edition. "Roadies— pick up their re-usable calico This year, the Yellow Brick Road will have showbags at four points at the showgrounds: more of a Wizard of Oz flavor to it, with "the adjacent to the Government Expo inside the main rainbow connection" bridge linking the Hall of gate. at the Dairy pavilion inside the railway Horticulture and the PB Ronald building, where entrance, from a booth at the Remington car park some of the showbag goodies can be found. entrance and The Weekly Times Olde Shoppe. In The Wizard of Oz, the rainbow connection Those using previous years' bags will only was the link to the Land of Oz. have to pay $6.50 to have it stamped for this year's event and receive the all-important route At the Royal Show, three-dimensional images map. of characters such as Dorothy, the Tin Man and Scarecrow will form part of the rainbow And on seniors day — Monday. September 22 VITAL /Aytyk connection display. c — the "silver tops", as grandparents are SAMPLE BAG affectionately known. will receive a $1 discount But Yellow Brick Road devotees will have to on the showbag and receive a bonus product. wait until the Wizard of Oz on Ice musical begins ONLY AT THE VITAL STAND C at the Melbourne Entertainment Centre on AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE MAIN ARENA Roadies follow the painted Yellow Brick Road BENEATH THE "PIE IN THE SKY" to a number of clearly-marked sites to pick up 18 October 22 before they can see lifelike versions items. of these characters.
soillevvheiands s re Ove r the rainb°vIes; ,,ere a the Of Milk an d cows Jump 0 d 11" - ver the mc"" --.
This is how to follow the Weekly Times Yellow Brick Road. Collect your re-useable Calico Carry Bag and Along the way you'll collect Weekly Times route map where you see the 1 Big M Vanilla Milk bright yellow sales outlets adjacent to 2 Capilano Honey * Flemington Entrance 3 Sunbeam Sultanas (2 pkts.) * Railway Station Entrance at the Dairy 4 Kiwi Fruit & Spoon Pavilion 5 Kraft DiG its * Govt. Expo-Centre 6 Juicy Murray Valley Oranges (2) * Weekly Times Olde Shoppe 7 Packham Pear Pay your $7 road toll and you're on the way 8 Pink Lady Apple Follow the snack-tracking all over the showgrounds. 9 Bulla Frozen Fruit n' Yoghurt stick 10 Sanitarium Breakfast cereal 11 Fruche for fun & spoon 12 Thorpdale Chats Potatoes Yellow 13 Lee Kum Kee Sauce Sachet 14 Riviera Ice-Cream Sample 15 Gingerbread Bake House Biscuit 16 The Weekly Times big Showtime edition Brick Road Plus big savings on tickets to see The Wizard of Oz on Ice, appearing at the Melbourne to Entertainment Centre from 22nd October, 1997.