And when he walks through the gates of the showgrounds for the 2023 event next weekend, he’ll be walking a little taller than normal.
Tom was named the 2023 Finley Show Personality at the weekend, during the Finley Show Society’s street stall.
Show president Matt Mueller said it is no secret ag shows run in Tom’s blood.
He’s not just a fan of the show itself, he’s been at countless working bees and joins the committee for dinner before almost every show meeting.
“Aside from attending agricultural and sheep shows with parents Gordon and Nicole and sister Charlotte, Tom’s great great grandfather JT Close was the very first president of the Finley A&P Association,” Mr Mueller said.
“It’s a role that Gordon has also held, as well as show personality.
“Tom is a wonderful member of the Finley Show family and the committee are pleased to bestow him this honour for 2023.”
Mr Mueller and Finley Show Society life member Alex Brain had the honour of presenting Tom with his Show Personality medallion in front of a number of committee members.
Held on Father’s Day - Sunday, September 3 - the family friendly Finley Show is a great way to kick off spring each year.
The Finley Showgrounds will come alive with all the popular country show events, with livestock judging, horse events and poultry judging all expected to draw large entries.
Always popular with the show day crowd is the pavilion, with sections designed to show off district talents in cookery, arts and craft, needlework, photography and more.
The committee has some great family friendly entertainment organised too.
Entries for most of the competitions must be received by September 1, although some sections have earlier deadlines.
Make sure to read the rules for the competition you want to enter carefully, as late entries will not be accepted.
View the schedule and register online at www.finleyshowsociety.org, or pick up a hardcopy schedule around town.
The show office will open at the showgrounds at 10am on Tuesday.
If you need assistance with entries before then, email finleyshowsocietyinc@gmail.com or contact the relevant steward, as listed in the show schedule.