Institute inspires

Art show winners, Jessica Harrison, Josh Duckworth, Mitch Dalton and Tyler Vallance, loved showing off their work to the public at the KMI.

The Friends of the Kyneton Mechanics Institute held a community concert last Saturday to raise funds for improvements to the facility.

The concert featured dazzling displays of artwork from students of Kyneton Primary and Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, and featured interpretive artwork set on the theme of the Mechanics Institute. Works included drawings, paintings, etchings and a large-scale reproduction of the KMI facade created from empty boxes. The artwork was judged by the Kyneton Art Group who gave all the winners $10 each for their efforts. It was an outstanding opportunity for the kids to show off their talent to the public.

More than 50 people enjoyed the exhibition over the course of the day and were enthralled by some of Kyneton's most talented musicians including Sacred Heart College student pianist Elsie Lowry. Donations were made at the door with the funds contributing to new stage curtains and other areas. The next big concert will take place on Saturday, August 24, with more talented musical acts promised to perform.

Art show winners

Kyneton Primary

Prep/Year one - Jessica Harrison (42 mixed media) and Gemma Tag

Year three - Josh Duckworh (12 mixed media)

Year 4/5 - Tyler Vallance (12 drawings/etching prints)

Year 5/6 - Kobi Dyan (11 3D models) and Mitch Dalton (11 etching prints)

Our Lady of the Rosary 

Years 5/6 - Stirling (50 mixed media) and Lauren Nyberg

Show ambassador shines

Jo-Hanna with Kyneton Agricultural Society president, Michael O'Sullian (second from right), and judges, Garry and Faye Kerr.

Angela Crawford

Jo-Hanna Kelson has been named this year's Kyneton Agricultural Society Junior Show Ambassador.

The 18-year-old year 12 student from Kyneton Secondary College has been involved with the Kyneton Agricultural Society for about three years now, assisting with secretarial work and publicity.

The Show Ambassador Program encourages and supports young people living in rural and regional Victoria, with a particular emphasis on candidates who are involved with their local show. The awards seek to draw attention to the talent, creativity and ingenuity of young rural Victorians and in doing so encourage the candidates to become engaged citizens across local communities.

Following being announced as the Kyneton Junior Show Ambassador, Jo-Hanna recently competed at regional level. 

At the Upper Goulburn Group Final Dinner in Seymour last Friday week, Jo-Hanna competed against a number of other junior show ambassadors and was announced the regional winner. She will now compete at state level in Myrtleford on June 1.

Jo-Hanna beat out Whittlesea and Alexandra show ambassadors at Seymour, where an interviewing panel was impressed with her enthusiasm.

"The interviewing panel asks questions relating to the agricultural industry, and what you think about related issues," Jo-Hanna explains.

"They want to know your vision as a a junior ambassador - how you would get other young members involved, and fresh ideas to promote the show it as well.

"Hopefully we can get a lot more of the younger generation involved and see what younger people would like to see happening, and evolve the show."

Jo-Hanna has showed sheep at Kyneton for about five years.

She has stud Angus cattle and stud Romney Marsh sheep at her grandmother's farm at Greenhill, Craigiemore Farm.

"I usually take in a trio - one ram and two ewes - and if they've got lambs afoot I often take in the lambs as well.

"This year I will be showing cattle on the day," she said.