By Rebecca Skilton
The 2017 Parklea Pakenham Show will provide the perfect opportunity for members of the public to present their talents and hobbies to the world.
However, for 19-year-old Pakenham resident, Meaghan Venables, not only is the annual event a chance to showcase her talents in fashion, but it’s an opportunity to give back to her local show society and community.
“This is my third year helping at the Pakenham Show. The first year I was judging the dog high jump, and the second year I was Junior Ambassador,” Meaghan said.
“Originally I was a Scout … we had a stall at Pakenham Show nearly every year, which sparked me to do a bit more than show up with a sausage sizzle … I think it’s my duty to give back to the Show, give thanks, and to help run it a bit better.”
Prevailing for over 100 years, the Pakenham Show, as stated by their show committee, upholds the same purpose it did over a century ago: “to offer the local community the opportunity to showcase their produce and homewares and compete against other like-minded people.”
With her passion for fashion and drive to give back to her community, it is these values that Meaghan plans to uphold through her fashion section for the Show, Make and Wear; a section of which she encourages anyone of any textile experience to become involved with.
“I’ve developed a new section called ‘make and wear,” Meaghan said.
“Basically, it’s a section for the fashionistas of the community to showcase their abilities and their style … it’s for all ages and capabilities. I’ll be judging the section, (but) I’m not a harsh judge!”
“There are three sections in Make and Wear,” Meaghan explained.
“Garments, which are things like dresses and coats and everyday wear; Accessories, which include handbags, backpacks, clutches and even shoes, and then there’s the Millinery section which is fantastic, because it shows a different side of fashion that people don’t know much about, like hats and nice headpieces.”
Joining Meaghan in the judging ring for the day will be Jen Robinson, representing competition sponsor, Pakenham Sewing Connection.
While Meaghan admits Jen’s presence will allow for some good-fashioned banter on the judging stage, it won’t be all business for the 19-year-old, with a selection of her own designs entered into the show’s events.
“I have garments entered into the show,” Meaghan said.
“I have a side business called Cherubs Collection and I make children’s jackets and vests by up-cycling and using grandma’s old blankets. Some of them will be entered … I don’t mind about prizes though, it’s just about getting my stuff out there.”
Having completed her course in applied fashion design and technology at Kangan Institute, Meaghan admits that her love of fashion began at a young age, developing from her love of the theatrical arts – the same love that continues to influence the direction of her designs and goals.
“I danced pretty much my whole life and have been to the ballet and I love theattre,” Meaghan explained.
“I think it was my passion for theatre that drove me into fashion, creating costumes and things like that … I want to end up working for the Australian Ballet or somewhere in the West End in London.”
“(But at the moment) I’m just trying to make a name for myself. I’ve sold a few pieces, so that’s probably the greatest fashion achievement to date.”
However, while Meaghan’s goals are set high, for the moment she remains grounded; the 2017 Parklea Pakenham Show – an event she looks forward to yearly, the Pakenham community an enticing factor for the young fashionista.
“I just love the community involvement at the show, the smiling faces of all the locals,” Meaghan said.
“They make me come back every year.”
The Parklea Pakenham Show will take place at PB Ronald Reserve in Pakenham on Saturday 18 March, with free entry available to spectators.
To find out more, visit www.pakenhamshow.org.au.
To find out more about Meaghan’s designs, visit @cherubscollection on Instagram.
