Fears 160-year-old show could die after $117k fraud

A show society founded in 1855 is under threat after a former CEO stole more than $117,000 from the organisation.

The not-for-profit Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society has held the annual Royal Geelong Show for generations.

Volunteers often put forward their own money to help keep things moving.

But Jacqui Patmore, who was CEO of the society between 2012 and 2016, treated the show as a personal piggy-bank, illegally using the company credit card more than 400 times to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Long-time friends Dot and Isla, who have been winning ribbons for their baked goods and craft creations at the show for decades, are among those who were shocked by Patmore's actions.

"Very disappointed to think that all the work the volunteers have done over the 160-odd years is gone," Isla said.

Patmore would use the money to go on holidays, visit fancy restaurants, buy cosmetics and pay off bills.

"You've taken the money from the non-for-profit organisation that the community loves," society admin worker Rachel said.

Patmore used the company credit card a further 129 times for cash advances worth close to $30,000, and overpaid herself $15,800 in wage payments.

The total sum of her fraud was more than $117,000.

A group of volunteers who meet weekly to do maintenance jobs at the showgrounds, the Wednesday Warriors, said Patmore's actions had left the show teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.

"There's been a lot of plans that have been put on hold because of Jacqui's spending," one said.

After Patmore left the society, her lies began to unravel.

"So we found out the money was missing when Jacqui originally left, and the phone just started going crazy when people who were owed money started to realise she wasn't here anymore, and they were after their money," Rachel said.

Patmore was arrested and charged with 708 offences, eventually pleading guilty to theft and obtaining financial advantage by deception.

She has been ordered to pay back the money she stole.

Patmore did not comment when approached by A Current Affair.