General News
30 September, 2025
Horsham shines with bumper long weekend of sport and shows
Horsham proved once again why it’s one of regional Victoria’s best locations for sporting and community events.
Horsham proved once again why it’s one of regional Victoria’s best locations for sporting and community events.
The city was a hive of activity across the long weekend, with the Horsham Agricultural and Pastoral Show boasting increased attendance, while Volleyball Horsham hosted the Victoria Junior Country Championships, offering three days of non-stop action.
Show secretary Andrea Cross said organisers could not have asked for a better outcome to the 149th iteration of the local show.
"We were blessed with perfect weather,” she said.
“Numbers were up from last year, including some people who hadn’t attended the show in the past five years.”
Ms Cross said while the show was unable to showcase its stud sheep categories due to a clash with the Royal Melbourne Show, this year’s Horsham Show was able to offer new experiences to regular attendees.
“I think we catered for everyone,” she said.
“There were challenges, but it meant we could expand our stud goat competitions, including the miniature goats.
“The shearing competition, yard dog trials, and blade shearing demonstrations drew huge crowds, and our live judging of the new Tart of the Show category was humorous and rewarding.”
Ms Cross also noted that the show had become more accessible due to gradual changes in its layout over the past few years.
Next door, at the Horsham Basketball Stadium and St Brigid’s College stadium, 22 teams competed for the country champs from September 26-28.
Volleyball Horsham president David Berry said a comment on social media perfectly encapsulated the weekend's success.
“‘Thanks for the commitment from your players, parents, and community over many years. We are looking forward to next year in Horsham'," he said.
"We couldn't be more proud of our teams, couldn't be more proud of Laelah and Rachel for receiving those referee awards, and couldn't be prouder of the community that we've built here, that gets those types of responses from people from outside.”
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross said the bumper weekend highlighted the region’s strong hosting talents.
“It’s an opportunity for Horsham to showcase everything amazing about the region,” he said.
“It generates income for the city and our tourism sector.”