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    ON SHOW: Emma Bourke and daughter Mackenzie Bourke, 6, soak up the atmosphere and Great Western’s Show and Shine.
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    EYE-CATCHING: Jeff Rickard with his 1972 Corvette Stingray.
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    CLASSICS: Andrew Thompson, Bruce Turrell and Wally Boyd catch up at Great Western’s Show and Shine. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
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Great Western’s time to show and shine

Great Western was the place to be on the Australia Day long weekend, offering a variety of events to entertain. 

The Seppelt Great Western Cup on Saturday January 25; the Great Western Show and Shine on Sunday, January 26, along with a packed line-up of wine experiences, live music, and masterclasses, the weekend showcased what the town has to offer.

The annual weekend drew more than 2000 visitors to the wine district.

Great Western Enterprises chief executive Bruce Ahchow said the weekend brought together the best of Great Western’s racing, winemaking, and hospitality. 



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Starting with the Great Western Cup, a racing tradition for more than 145 years, racegoers soaked up the trackside atmosphere, while those in the Seppelt VIP Marquee enjoyed the ultimate race-day experience.

“With another sell-out crowd in the marquee, demand for 2026 is already building, with the waitlist now open for those looking to lock in their spot early,” he said.

“While the races were the centrepiece, the long weekend offered plenty of ways to celebrate Great Western’s winemaking heritage. 

“Wineries across the region – including Seppelt, Best’s Wines, and Grampians Estate – welcomed visitors for tastings, masterclasses and live music that showcased the craftsmanship and tradition behind the region’s most iconic drops.

“From Best’s Wines’ laid-back platters and local produce pairings to Grampians Estate’s Sparkling Shiraz Masterclasses, each winery brought its own flavour to the weekend, offering visitors a chance to experience the best of the Grampians’ wine scene.”

The Show and Shine was a celebration of classic cars, bringing a different kind of horsepower to Great Western.

With gleaming chrome, vintage models, and muscle cars lining the streets, the event drew car enthusiasts and families. 

It also played an important role in supporting community clubs, offering them a chance to raise money that will benefit the Great Western community throughout the year.

Organisers have now turned their attention to next year’s events, solidifying Great Western’s reputation as a destination where racing, wine, and community spirit comes together.

The entire February 5, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!