Since the 1800's the Robertson Show has been a connector for our community and organisers are working collaboratively with Council to ensure its sustainability for generations to come. With up to 5,000 people enjoying the event each year a high volume of waste must be managed well. A water refill station made possible by a grant through our Community Assistance scheme - Environment and Sustainability, is a step in the right direction.
Fine weather and a strong turn-out to the Robertson Show in 2023 saw many community members ask about a water bottle refill station. Show organisers are delighted to have been able to make this happen for future events, thanks to grant funding through Council's Community Assistance Scheme.
"When we learned that the criteria for Community Assistance grants included environmental initiatives we felt encouraged in our efforts to make Robertson Show more sustainable," says Sharon Makin, Robertson Show Committee Member. "We have been working closely with Council toward sustainable solutions in line with new packaging regulations, such as introducing re-fillable Robertson Show-branded bottles.
The Community Assistance scheme was a timely opportunity for us to secure some of the funding needed to make practical changes happen."
Between shows, the water station will remain in place for wider use by the Robertson Football Club and Pony Club who share the showground, along with a range of other community events using the site.
Other considerations toward making the show more environmentally friendly include coming up with a strategy for managing the high quantity of recyclable cups and packaging so that the show puts less waste to landfill. "Our success with getting the water refill station in place has created momentum for us to achieve even more toward the show's sustainability," Sharon says.
Robertson Show continues a proud history of being agriculture-based and highly interactive for local families with all ages getting involved. It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and tickets are priced to keep the experience accessible for all community members, so the show depends on grant funding to be able to invest in improvements for the show's future.
"Without our volunteers, there would be no show. It's a year-round commitment. We started planning next year's show the day we wrapped-up this one," Sharon explains. "We are all so appreciative that Council has seen fit to offer us this grant which gives us capacity to do more of what needs to be done to keep this long-standing and much-loved event going and growing, without cutting into the show offering for our community."
Community-led initiatives that connect our community, support our natural environment, and promote sustainable living, are the sort of programs Council seeks to partner with through the Community Assistance Scheme, according to Council's Coordinator Community Development, Corinne Buxton; "It's about investing in the community's capacity for shaping the future of their township or village in ways that are meaningful for the people who live there."
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