Wondai AP&I Society president Amanda Palmer and South Burnett Race Club president Jeff Wenck with Roy Radunz OAM, centre, who is a Life Member of both associations … Amanda and Jeff jointly announced that the pavilion which has been erected on the site of the old grandstand would be known as “The Roy Radunz Shed”

August 27, 2026

The 109th Wondai Show was overflowing with activities at the weekend … from a huge truck show to barrel racing, a bullride and a packed pavilion.

Beef and dairy cattle kept the judges busy in the cattle ring while spectators enjoyed the tractor pulls and chainsaw races.

There were even helicopter joyflights available …

But a highlight for many local residents was the joint announcement by Show Society president Amanda Palmer and South Burnett Race Club president Jeff Wenck of the naming of the showground’s latest pavilion.

The building, which stands on the site of the old grandstand, will be known as “The Roy Radunz Shed” in honour of a Life Member of both associations, Roy Radunz OAM.

Roy was made an OAM in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to country racing and to the Wondai community.

He served as president and secretary of the South Burnett Race Club for a total of 50 years and in 2016, Roy and his wife Glenis were made Life Members of the Wondai AP&I Association (the Show Society).

The 2026 Wondai Show was officially opened on Saturday morning by former Wondai Show Society president – and ex-Wondai Shire councillor – Gil Smith who travelled from Buderim with his wife Michelle (a former Show Society treasurer) for the occasion.   

Gil recalled his family’s long links with the Wondai Show.

His father Les was the Chief Hall Steward – and later Show Society president – so Gil’s memories go back to his boyhood, including watching pony races, trotting and “guess the weight of the bullock” competitions.

Both his parents were made Life Members, and other members of his family were involved in different roles over the years.

Wondai Show Society’s latest Life Members were presented with their badges during the Show opening.

Amanda presented pins to Debbie Rutledge and Marion Barnes.

Amanda said Debbie had spent more than 25 years organising the poultry pavilion while Marion had demonstrated tireless commitment over many years, “embodying the true spirit of the Wondai Show”.

* * *

Bull Ride & Barrel Race Winners

  • Bull Ride – Wes McDonald
  • Barrel Race – Maralee Anderson
  • Senior Bull Ride – Mark Douglas
  • Novice Bull Ride – Axel Smith
  • U18 Junior Barrel Race – Bailey Sullivan
  • U18 Junior Bull Ride – Jacob Davies
  • U15 Mini Bull Ride – Chase Wieland
  • 7-U12 Mini Bull Ride – Linkyn Harrison
  • Jackpot Novice Barrel Race – Tracey Porter
Show Society president Amanda Palmer, centre, presented Life Membership pins to Debbie Rutledge, left,  and Marion Barnes
LEFT: Life Member Roy Radunz is congratulated by South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff
RIGHT: Life Member Gill Smith, who officially opened the show, and his wife Michelle
The Wondai Town & District Band played the National Anthem at the show opening as well as other live music
LEFT: Wondai Show junior ambassadors Amelia Dalton, from Kingaroy; and Willow Palmer, from Wondai
RIGHT: Life Members Glenis and Roy Radunz
Kingaroy State High School ag team had an impressive showing at the Wondai Show, particularly in the Led Steer competition
A convoy of trucks made its way through the streets of Wondai before assembling at the Wondai Showgrounds for a huge truck show’n’shine which featured 109 trucks … the winner of the Truck Of The Show was an entry by S & J McMahon Transport (Photo: Ros Heit)
Darling Downs Sub-Chamber’s Rural Ambassador Angus Cronin with South Burnett Sub-Chamber’s Rural Ambassador Matt McCauley … Matt came second in the prestigious statewide competition at the recent Ekka
Watching the cattle ring with keen interest were Glen Perrett, from Kingaroy, and Ruby and William Rose, from Wondai, with Lily Simpson, 3, and Arthur Simpson, 1
Murgon Lions Club and other Wondai volunteers were looking after the barbecue area
Wondai Woodcrafters’ treasurer Lea Carter was demonstrating how to cut out intricate pieces
Denise and Wayne Shaw, from the Wondai Woodcrafters
Captain Chris Bodey and firefighter Kyle Engelbrecht, from the Wondai Fire Brigade
Daryl Pearce, from Wondai, was competing in the chainsaw races
The tractor pulls at the Wondai Show always attract a big crowd of onlookers
A colourful display of floral entries in the main pavilion
Helicopter rides were again available for visitors to the Wondai Show

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