Fresh Great Southern team clinch second place

A volunteer group on the brink of extinction has walked away with second place in the recent District Displays competition at this year's 2015 IGA Perth Royal Show.

The Great Southern team, which narrowly missed out on the top spot behind the Coastal Region, was ecstatic with its win after the group feared it would have to leave the competition following the retirement of its volunteers last year.

Katanning's Rosalie Baxter was among the new volunteers who stepped up to the role for this year, alongside Wagin's Fiona Dawson and Albany's Melita Smith.

Ms Baxter said it had been a fantastic experience, especially working with like-minded people.

"I have basically put my life on hold for the 15 days that we are up here, and that was the first big step, but I was prepared to make the commitment, and we are all committed," she said.

"The comments have been really positive and it is about trying to educate people.

"I am born and bred Katanning, and it's good that we can share what is in our own backyard."

The display, themed Hauling the Great Southern, showcased the abundance of grains, wool, preserves, crafts and wines available in the region and took a week to build and assemble.

Wagin's Greg Brockway, who previously co-ordinated the display for 14 years, said it was a relief when Ms Baxter and the other volunteers jumped onboard.

"The girls have done very well in their first year," he said.