Our Story
Horsham Agricultural Society Inc is a not for profit organisation with it’s office located at ‘Maydale Reserve’ at the Horsham Showgrounds. Situated in the heart of Horsham overlooking the Wimmera River, this precinct of 19 hectares is shared between Crown land and the Horsham Ag Society which owns almost half.
As an events centre, Maydale Reserve is the only privately owned facility which can host weddings, exhibitions, the annual agricultural show, festivals and so much more in the centre of town. Opportunities to camp under a canopy of stars in the heart of Horsham at special events and festivals is a jewel in not just the society’s crown but the city’s.
Our main events include the 150km Feast and the Horsham Agricultural Show. Since 2018, we have also hosted the local New Year’s Eve event, with full support from Horsham Rural City Council.
With it’s wide open spaces, small nooks and laneways, this historical precinct boasts an event centre like no other. The Cattle Shed is a function centre, surrounded by rustic stables located within a stones-throw of the Wimmera River with options of indoor and outdoor facilities. It hosts wedding receptions, special birthday parties and Christmas gatherings.
A fully functioning workshop hosts an array of casual staff, volunteers and job seekers, engaged through a variety of employment programs to give people opportunity to upskill and prepare for permanent employment. For 48 weeks of the year, a minimum of 130 hours of labour is pumped out of the organisation. Volunteer committee members gather regularly for meetings and working bees to maintain the grounds. Opportunities exist for new members to join the committee at any time.
The Maydale Pavilion is the biggest shed in Horsham which hosts private sheep sales, expos, and shows, including the annual agricultural show.
We have many visitors to ‘Maydale Reserve’ and these include people transporting horses.
We provide a resting place for horses allowing them to unwind and have a drink while their owners clean their float and use our facilities. To ensure this service can continue to be provided, we charge a $10 facility fee so we appreciate visitors phoning ahead so we can unlock toilets and yards etc.
The main office will reopen when COVID restrictions allow. Normally it is open Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 5.00pm. For more information phone us on 0400 425 254.
