New activities added to popular animal nursery

The Wangaratta Show's popular animal nursery will once again offer children the chance to get up close with a range of farm animals, with organisers also introducing a new free craft corner this year. Organiser Jo Fitzgerald said the nursery had become a favourite attraction for families, particularly the hands-on opportunities for children. "The bit that they love the most is going in to pat the animals," she said. The nursery typically features calves and lambs in its popular patting area, but this year's line-up is expected to include piglets, babydoll sheep, chickens, ducklings, stick insects and a peacock, with more animals potentially joining the display closer to the show. Ms Fitzgerald and her partner Jim Kiely have helped run the nursery for several years after becoming involved through the Wangaratta Agricultural Society. She said one of the most rewarding additions in recent years had been the disability pen, which was introduced three years ago to ensure children with additional needs could also enjoy close interactions with the animals. When groups from Wangaratta District Specialist School visit, organisers set aside a dedicated space with particularly quiet animals that can be safely handled by children who may not be able to enter the main patting pen. "The kids love that they have their own spot," Ms Fitzgerald said. Last year the nursery also featured a specially selected steer for children with additional needs to pat, an initiative she said was well received by students and carers. A major focus for organisers is ensuring the attraction remains affordable for families. "My favourite bit about the nursery is that everything's free there, no one has to pay for anything," Ms Fitzgerald said. Alongside the animal displays, visitors can take part in free activities including a guess-the-weight competition and sheep shearing demonstrations. This year, a free craft corner will be introduced for the first time, providing another activity for young visitors. Ms Fitzgerald said the nursery was a reminder that families did not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a day at the show. "There's so much free stuff for the kids to do, that there's heaps for them to see that's free, and I love that," she said. Behind the scenes, The Edi Upper couple spend months coordinating animals, arranging pens and organising volunteers to keep the nursery running smoothly throughout the busy show weekend. For Ms Fitzgerald, who has fond memories of attending the show and later bringing her own children along, seeing today's young visitors interact with the animals remains the biggest reward. The animal nursery will operate throughout the 160th Wangaratta Show on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, offering families a chance to meet a range of animals, enjoy free activities and experience one of the event's most popular attractions.

New activities added to popular animal nursery

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