02/09/2026
Today we pause to remember Don Mitchell, signwriter.
Don left his mark across Horsham and throughout the Wimmera Mallee as a talented signwriter, and his legacy will continue to be seen for years to come.
He also leaves a special legacy with the Horsham Agricultural Society. As our original signwriter, Don helped shape the look and history of our Society.
On 8 December 2017, Don tackled what he said was one of the hardest jobs he’d ever been commissioned to do, hand-painting the words “the” and “Shed” on the cattle shed. The challenge was that the font wasn’t straightforward, and he was painting onto corrugated iron instead of a flat surface. As always, he did a stellar job, even at the age of 79.
The following year, Don celebrated his 80th birthday in that very shed, which his signwriting helped transform into the function centre it is today. It was a very cold August night, but a fitting place to celebrate.
Don also dreamed of painting a magnificent rural-themed mural on our toilet block. While that dream will remain unfulfilled, it is one we will always remember as part of Don’s passion for our showgrounds.
Don spent many good times in the Maydale Pavilion with the much-loved band Shades of Troopers Creek back in the day. When Rick Stevens suggested the band returned for a bush dance, Don picked up his bass guitar once again and played on 8 February 2022. Don and wife Jan became regular and much-loved faces at our events.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his beloved wife Jan and all of his family as they farewell him today.
Vale Don Mitchell - 03/08/1938 - 21/08/2026
