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HISTORY
The Dandenong Agricultural & Pastoral Society has shared in the ups and downs of the area, it has weathered good and bad times, periods of apathy, financial difficulties, bank crashes, the bursting of the land boom bubble, two world wars, three ground changes, flood, bush fires and drought.
That it has survived and prevailed, is due to the community spirit of its leadership, right from the pioneering days. Most agricultural societies rely on volunteer effort, goodwill and dedication of office-bearers and members, and no society has a stronger tradition of children following their parents through the ranks, continuing their dedication to the past works of this institution.
Back in 1871, Dunbar’s Hotel in the main street of Dandenong, was very much the civic centre of the struggling little market town, so it was hardly surprising that a preliminary meeting to discuss the launching of an agricultural show was held there on Saturday May 27.
Our pioneers were obviously men of action, for only three days later, at a public meeting in the Dandenong Market – what better place for the birth of an agricultural society – the Dandenong and South Bourke Agricultural Association was launched.
The Society, older than the Dandenong Municipality, was no doubt inspired by the formation in 1856 of the Mornington Farmers’ Society at Berwick and Cranbourne and the two organizations undoubtedly built up a friendly rivalry which spurred each to greater efforts.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 11 August 2007 )