2022 Wimmera Machinery Field Days cancelled

Just over a month out from the event, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days (WMFD) committee has announced the cancellation of this year’s show due to the significant risks posed to the community with the spread of COVID-19 in Victoria and across the country.

The event was scheduled to be held on March 1 and 2, 2022.

In a press statement, WMFD president, Sam Eagle, said the decision to cancel was "extremely difficult" but had to be done.

“There has been so many aspects to consider, but at the end of the day we have a duty of care to our local community,” he said.

“We have exhibitors travelling to the region from all over Australia, it’s not just local businesses attending.

“We were also concerned about the number of volunteers needed to run the event and the potential impact of isolation rules in the lead-up to and during the event.”

He added the committee worked in close consultation with relevant health organisations and personnel before making its decision.

Eagle said the decision to cancel was left as late as possible in the hope that the impact from the latest COVID-19 Omicron strain would have diminished significantly by the time the event is held, however it became evident in recent weeks that risks still remain high.

“We understand it is extremely disappointing for our exhibitors, stakeholders, sponsors, supporters and community volunteers,” he said.

“We are devastated for our local businesses that have always supported the field days.”

Meanwhile, events manager, Vanessa Lenehan, is asking for exhibitors to be patient with staff while they go through the process of undoing months of work that has gone into planning the 2022 event.

2022 Australian farming field days calendar