The Bendigo Horticultural and Agricultural Show began in 1859 when a meeting was held at the Shamrock hotel to form a committee. The first competitive event was a ploughing competition held at Lockwood in June 1859.Photograph - black and white. A group of men, sitting and standing in the Bendigo Showgrounds (now known as Tom Flood Centre) looking South. On the 30th Nov.2001 James Lerk gave his opinion that the above is correct. Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society.organization, club/society, agricultural and horticultural show, bendigo agricultural and horticultural show.