President: It’s great to be back

“After a long break, it’s taken a bit to get back into the swing of things, but we’re looking forward to it just the same. I think we’re pretty much fully booked” – Terrence Kiley, right

Three years on from the 41st annual Mallee Machinery Field Days, Speed will once again be a hive of activity in the first week of August.

After cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Mallee Machinery Field Days is returning on August 3 and 4 with more than 300 exhibitors.

Field days president Terrence Kiley said he was most looking forward to the farming community getting out and about and interacting with like-minded people in the agriculture industry. “It’s great to be back,” he said. “After a long break, it’s taken a bit to get back into the swing of things, but we’re looking forward to it just the same.

“I think we’re pretty much fully booked.

“There are some new exhibitors and there is the odd exhibitor that isn’t coming back because they have enough business – in some cases for 18 months – combined with a lack of supplies and lack of labour.”

Secretary Matt Brady said he was looking forward to welcoming people back to the event.

“Sites are at full capacity, with exhibitors coming from across Australia,” he said.

“The past two years have been tough on everyone. I think a lot of people have missed it.

“There will be lots of new releases this year and for many businesses, this is the first time in three years they have had an opportunity to showcase them to a wider audience.”

Mallee Machinery Field Days is a major fundraiser for Speed Lions Club, whose members form the event committee.

Mr Brady said the not-forprofit organisation was grateful it would once again be able to make worthwhile donations to those requiring a ‘helping hand’.

“Fundraising efforts across all communities have been impacted as a result of COVID,” he said.

“We’re happy we will be able to provide an economic boost to many community groups and organisations who have been hit hard in recent years.”

Mr Kiley said the field days had a widespread, positive impact on the community.

“It’s quite a big event for the local groups,” he said.

“There are quite a few community and sporting groups that benefit from the event.

“It is probably the biggest event in the centre of the Mallee annually and the money that is raised is all returned to community groups and charities through the Lions club.

“For example, if we have a community member with an illness, we can contribute to assist them, or students who graduate out of high school into tertiary education or an apprenticeship, the Lions club tries to assist them with a small amount of funding.

“We also support local hospitals, the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal and other charities.”