WITH technology taking over every day life, the importance of celebrating country living is at the forefront of one family’s mind.
As primary producers in Penola, Liz Rymill said her young family has put a focus on supporting their community through championing country shows.
Ms Rymill, husband Tom and children Robert, 4 and Edwina, 2, each entered the Penola Show in some capacity this year, cementing their commitment to their home town.
“The boys had a pretty great day out,” she said.
“Roo (Robert) won the Margaret Mountford Memorial Trophy for his scones.
“That was a little special to us because Margaret was our neighbour.
“He does it all himself – he mixes it up and waits for them to cook.
“I think he can probably make a better scone than I can after all the practice he put in.”
The family has been keen to get involved after moving to Penola earlier this year.
“We want to show the kids how important it will be part of their community,” she said.
“We have an amazing lifestyle living in the country and I think sometimes it can be taken for granted.
“More young people need to put their hands up for their community and hope by teaching our kids at a very young age they will keep that mindset into the future.”
Robert has also taken an interest in equestrian events, competing the Mil Lel and Penola shows.
“We love going in the rings for tiny tots,” Ms Rymill said.
“They are really just for the kids who enjoy their horses – it is the essence of children and their ponies.
“Roo has done quite well for himself and is really showing his love of horses.
“I think little girls are more often steered towards the baking and equestrian side of things, but little boys enjoy it just as much.”
Earlier in the show season the Rymill family travelled to Mil Lel, with Robert and his faithful pony Fergus taking home an award for best dressed.
Ms Rymill spent more than a week putting the award winning “spaceship” together.
“I saw a picture online of a similar costume and Roo is into all things space at the moment so I thought I would give it a go,” she said.
“I think I was a little too confident in the beginning because I thought it would be a piece of cake – but there was a lot of back and forth to the hardware shop for glue and supplies to pull it all together.
“Fergus is only five years old, so for a young pony he was very patient and forgiving when it came to the costumes – he is a real gem.”
Penola Show president Kerry DeGaris said children were the future of any show.
“Having youth involved allows them to realise they will be the ones who will carry on the traditions,” she said.
“Children also bring a relevance into today’s shows.
“Children participating in show competitions allows them to hone in certain skills they may not have the chance to practice otherwise.
“I am also encouraging parents to get their children into shows whether that be in competitions or in other ways because it gives the children a sense of community and involvement.”
Ms Rymill said being around horses was one of the great benefits of living in the country.
“Roo loves Fergus and always wants to be out riding, but I am sure when he gets a bit bigger and into motorbikes it might not be his focus,” she said.
“Winnie (Edwina) is completely fearless when it comes to riding.
“I will turn my back for one second and she will be sitting on the saddle the opposite way or standing up.
“She is really keen little rider and I am definitely looking forward to watching her horsemanship progress.”
