Mallee Machine Field Days 2021 was meant to go ahead early August

On Thursday, July 15, organisers sat down to decide whether to move forward, but the Victorian Government's lockdown announcement cemented their choice.

Andrew McLean, secretary for the MMFD, said it was disappointing but necessary.

"We had concerns previously, with many of our exhibitors were coming from New South Wales and a lot of attendees come out of New South Wales," he said.

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"We had concerns there and our exhibitors were concerned as well."

The field day has been held for 42 years and garners exhibitors and attendees from all over Australia, all heading for the country town of Sheep.

There were to be around 300 exhibitors this year, and many people were excited to return to the MMFD as last year was also cancelled due to COVID-19.

Mr McLean said the field days bring around 4000 people each day of the two-day event, despite the chilly time of the year.

"The lockdown really highlighted the dangers to the community from the virus and the vaccinations simply just aren't up there," he said.

"We need to look after our community."

Mr McLean said exhibitors have been supportive and agreed that it was the right decision to make.

"Even on our Facebook page people are saying it was the right decision," he said.

Mr McLean said the committee would refund funds to people who ask for their funds back.

"We'll take the loss," he said.

"We're not too sure what that looks like yet, we'll know when we add up all the bills. Last year we got a refund with our insurance so it lessens the loss."

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The community was wrapped when the event had announced its 2021 return, Mr McLean said.

"They wanted it back," he said.

"It will be the second year in the row they haven't been able to fundraise at our event. It affects the local community."

Social media interaction showed an increase of interest in the event as people were champing at the bit to get out and support their community and to return to normal.

The Sheep Lions Club originally launched the field day as a project when the club was first started.

"Back then it was only about 30 exhibitors," Mr McLean said.

"It started as a Lions Club project which grew, the location shifted around until they ended up where we are now."

Hopefully, the Mallee Machine Field Days will return in August 2022.

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