For nearly 50 years, sisters Sue Trevaskis and Faye Hocking have poured their time, passion and creativity into the Shepparton Show.
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Their dedication to the Home Crafts Pavilion has helped make it a much-loved destination, while continuing a family connection that spans generations.
Sue is the Ladies Committee secretary, the only section of the Shepparton Show Society with its own committee, while Faye is chief steward of the Home Crafts Pavilion, overseeing the art and craft displays that attract close to 1000 entries each year.
Their commitment extends well beyond show week.
“It’s not a two-day show, it’s the whole year,” Sue said.
“We were both sitting at home this morning doing things for the show.”
The sisters regularly visit other agricultural shows across Victoria and beyond, gathering ideas they can bring back to Shepparton to keep the pavilion fresh and relevant.
Whether it’s adding new categories to reflect modern trends or preserving traditional crafts, they are constantly looking ahead.
The sisters are also passionate exhibitors and have inspired generations of their own family to enter.
Their other sister, Karen, has even been recruited to help behind-the-scenes, making the annual show a true family affair.
However, for Sue and Faye, the Home Crafts Pavilion is about much more than ribbons and prize cards.
“It brings families together,” Faye said.
“A mum can cook a cake and their child can cook a cake.
“They're not competing against each other because everyone has their own age groups.”
The pavilion welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with sections covering everything from cooking and sewing to photography, artwork and crafts, making it one of the most inclusive areas of the show.
This year’s 150th anniversary celebrations will be particularly special, with the pavilion featuring displays of historic sewing machines, recipe books, vintage patterns and prize-winning exhibits from years gone by, giving visitors a glimpse into the show’s rich history.
After decades of volunteering, neither sister could imagine life without the show.
“Have a go,” they encourage anyone thinking about entering.
“You’ve got nothing to lose.
“It’s all part of the fun of the show, seeing your own work alongside everyone else’s.
“You never know — you might surprise yourself.”
Helen Wall in the craft pavilion at the Shepparton Show in 2013.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
Elaine Crosby, Carol Evans, Kay Woodward and Teena Caiafa of MEAC in the arts and craft pavilion in 2012.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
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