The Murrumbateman Field Days
The Murrumbateman Field Days began in 1979 after the Murrumbateman Agricultural Bureau identified a need for a small machinery field day to provide advice to many of the small acreage and hobby farms that had developed in the region.
The first Murrumbateman Field Days event in 1979 hosted 23 exhibitors, and by 1981 it had grown to more than 60 exhibitors. Last year’s Field Days attracted 15 000 visitors, showcased over 300 exhibitors, and was run by 2,000 volunteers, with 16 community groups involved!
There have been some memorable Field Days over the years that have demonstrated the true community spirit in our village as volunteers step up to combat bad weather or unexpected dramas. One of the most memorable has to be the 1983 Field Days when Gordon McClung ferried visitors over the creek on a carry-all behind his tractor!
The Field Days operates under a unique model to ensure that community benefit is maximised from the event. All event services from toilet cleaning to car parking control are provided by local community groups who are paid for their time and labour.
In 2023 just over $34 600 was paid back to community groups doing event services during the Field Days. Community groups supported include: the Murrumbateman Lions Club, Murrumbateman Tennis Club, the Murrumbateman Community Church, All Saints Anglican Church, NSW Rural Fire Service, 1st Murrumbateman Scouts, Landcare Group, sporting clubs, SES, Lions Club, Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club, Yass Valley Riding Club, Murrumbateman Pony Club, and local public schools. For many of these groups the Field Days are their most significant fundraiser.
Any profit from the Field Days goes to support MCA activities throughout the year which include community advocacy, maintenance of public facilities, running the Murrumbateman Markets, the Murrumbateman Mens’ shed and seasonal events such as the Christmas Carols.
Spread the word to your family and friends to attend this year’s event and support our local community.
