REMEMBERING the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society (A&P) last week unveiled a plaque recognising 70 years' leadership.
Although the commemoration has come after the Queen's passing, Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee was celebrated with grants going out to organisations across Australia commemorating the occasion.
A&P Society secretary, Lynn Elder welcomed about 50 guests, including Mansfield Shire Mayor, Cr James Tehan, Shire CEO, Kirsten Alexander, Society Life Members, representatives from many local organisations to the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate this special anniversary.
Ms Elder noted the time between applying, receiving the grant and planting some 70 trees in the showgrounds, it was unfortunate that Her Majesty passed.
The A&P applied for and received a grant of $15,000 in funding for a project to plant trees in and around the showgrounds after it was recognised that some of the older elms, particularly lining Mt Battery Road, had been affected by the Elm Beetles and were not going to last that much longer.
The 70 trees already planted are just the beginning of a renewal project for the society which will continue to commemorate the seven decades of the longest reigning monarch.
Life member of the A&P Society, Val Kirley was invited to unveil the plaque based at one of the 70 trees already in the ground.
She outlined her memories of seeing the Queen pass through Benalla on one of her trips to Australia before unveiling the plaque.
Mansfield Shire Mayor, Cr James Tehan, was asked to officially acknowledge Country on behalf of the shire.
He praised the A&P Society saying it was the backbone of the district and often bridged the gap between city and country.
He pledged that council would continue to support the Society.
Cr Tehan also acknowledged the Federal Government's grant allowing the 70 trees to be planted.
Ms Elder read a message from Member for Indi, Helen Haines who was unable to attend due to an extended Parliamentary sitting.
Dr Haines wrote: "To members of the Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society, a warm congratulations on receiving a grant from the Queen's Jubilee Grant Program to plant trees in commemoration of each decade of the Queen's reign.
"This ceremony is particularly fitting the recent passing of Her Majesty.
"There is no more appropriate way to remember Her Majesty's legacy than to plant trees that will provide shade and respite to visitors and to provide shelter for our splendid and delicate wildlife.
"Her Majesty's respect and devotion to the environment lives on with this initiative."
A&P Society president Amanda Swaney outlined a short history of the showgrounds and the benefits to the community open space since its inception in 1889.
Ms Swaney said in 1889, the first president of the society and its members planted some 500 trees.
By 1890 the annual shows commence and the first saw 3000 people through the gates.
The grounds were maintained by cattle grazing helping to keep grass down when the venue was not in use.
In 1923 complaints were received saying the cattle were damaging trees so the committee of the time decided to change to grazing sheep; this still happens to this day and sheep keep the grass low saving on maintenance.
Ms Swaney said the president back in 1889 said: "Visitors to the district are amazed at the beauty of the showgrounds and it is generally accepted that this could become the best showgrounds in Victoria."
"I think today we would probably agree," she said.
Ms Swaney acknowledged the hard work of her committee and thanked them all.
She also thanked the dignitaries for attending and the MAD Orchestra for their unending musical support.
The committee now has two years to complete the project which will see more trees being planted around the grounds.