Mallee Machinery Field Days and Speed Lions Club president Chris Monaghan is welcoming people to the annual event, which will feature a host of new attractions and products among the traditional.

Mr Monaghan said the sites were getting bigger, and he was excited to see what was new in the field.

“Even for us, it’s good to see what’s gone ahead with technology. It’s a chance for us to see it too, we don’t really know until we get there exactly what is coming,” he said. 

Mr Monaghan said planning was a year-round task with activity ramping up in the weeks before the event.

“We have had working bees to mow and mark out sites and started taking delivery of machines last week,” he said.

“Preparation takes a fair while; people have to take time off from the farm – we’re spraying at the moment – so it’s a fair commitment.

“It really ramps up that week before, we’re just flat out. 

“People donate their time and loaders and telehandlers to unload the machinery, which is a pretty big job, but we’re all farmers, we know how it works with truck drivers and things.

“But what the exhibitors go through to get the gear here, they’re the ones who put in the most effort, I reckon.”

Mr Monaghan said the thousands of dollars generated by the event went to community groups and charities.

“We give away about $100,000 each year to the support groups that help us out – like football clubs, Lions clubs, schools, pre-school group, emergency services – a lot of different organisations around this area help us with things like cooking, parking and gates,” he said.

“We also give to hospitals, the Heart Foundation, the Stroke Foundation, the Royal Children’s Hospital – the money goes far and wide.

“Once upon a time, we did it without any of their help, but it’s just too big now and we rely on their help.”

Mr Monaghan said the club’s money-raising efforts set them apart from other Lions clubs, and exhibitors always gave good feedback.

“Now we just need the support of the public to come and finish it off,” he said.

“It works pretty well for everyone, and hopefully we can keep it going for a few more years.”

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!