10/04/2026
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๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐!๐
As some of you may already know - The International Dairy Week team have recently taken over the Victorian Winter Fair, marking an exciting new chapter for this iconic event!
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Founded in 2014, the Victorian Winter Fair was born from a simple but powerful idea, to create a premier showcase for Autumn calved cows at a time of year when they deserved their moment in the spotlight.
A passionate group of dedicated cow men and cow women saw the need for a major winter event that would recognise the quality, preparation, and presentation of Autumn calved cattle. Their vision was to build a show that combined professionalism, strong competition, and genuine camaraderie within the dairy community.
From its very first year, the Victorian Winter Fair set itself apart. It quickly became known as the only major show in Australia catering specifically to Autumn calved cows, filling a significant gap in the national show calendar. Exhibitors travelled from across Victoria and interstate, drawn by the opportunity to showcase cows in peak condition during the winter months.
Over the next decade, the event grew in both prestige and participation. What began as a bold idea developed into a respected fixture on the Australian dairy calendar, a place where breeders could compete at the highest level, young handlers could gain invaluable experience, and lifelong friendships were strengthened ringside.
After ten successful years of dedication and development, a new chapter began in October 2025, when stewardship of the Victorian Winter Fair was passed to its current team, Declan Patten and Emmelie Nijskens. With roots in the dairy industry and a shared commitment to excellence, they carry forward the same passion and purpose that defined the show from the beginning.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Clare and Stu Modra - Avalon Holsteins for their incredible development of the Victorian Winter Fair. Their leadership, vision, and tireless commitment over the past decade built the strong foundation the event stands on today. Their contribution to the dairy show community will long be recognised and appreciated.
Under Declan and Emmelieโs stewardship, the event will continue to celebrate excellence, support exhibitors of all ages, and honour the incredible foundation laid by Clare and Stu Modra.
To help us do so:
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We encourage everyone to head over and like and follow the Victorian Winter Fair page to stay up to date with announcements, entries, and event details.
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Make sure you check out the new website for all the latest information, schedule and sponsorship opportunities: www.vwfaus.com
Most importantly - ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ and plan to attend:
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Tuesday 30 June - Thursday 2 July 2026, Bendigo, Victoria
https://www.facebook.com/victorianwinterfair
