{"id":204481,"date":"2018-03-19T21:38:50","date_gmt":"2018-03-19T11:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=204481"},"modified":"2020-08-06T10:32:03","modified_gmt":"2020-08-06T00:32:03","slug":"murgon-puts-on-a-perfect-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/03\/19\/murgon-puts-on-a-perfect-show\/","title":{"rendered":"Murgon Puts On A Perfect Show"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Collard family unveiled the Fay Collard Memorial Trophy on Saturday at Murgon Show for Most Points In Roses … from left, Prue, Neil and Ricky Collard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

March 20, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

Murgon showgoers were treated to the perfect rural show at the weekend … beautiful weather, a spruced up showground and plenty of top-class exhibits.<\/p>\n

In recent years, the Pavilion has been empty at times but this year it seemed full of action with local artists hard at work in one corner, a live show of colourful parrots in another, a string of school exhibits plus the traditional cut flowers, culinary and photography displays.<\/p>\n

The show was officially opened by Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien who admitted he had a special love of ag shows.<\/p>\n

“Twenty-eight years ago I met a Miss Showgirl whom I married and who forced me to learn the Pride of Erin!” he joked.<\/p>\n

South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell said rural shows were a great celebration of agriculture and all the things that go with it.<\/p>\n

Mr O’Brien agreed, saying there were so many people scurrying around in the cities that at times they looked like ants … but they all relied on the regions for their food, fibre and water.<\/p>\n

Show Society president Joan Adams praised her volunteers for all the work they had done this year in the lead-up to the show.<\/p>\n

“They painted everything! And they helped to put up the old pony shed …”<\/p>\n

The pony shed was originally located in the Gallangowan forestry but was shifted to Murgon Showground many years ago.<\/p>\n

This year, with the help of some BlazeAid volunteers and Show Society members, it was shifted again to become the new Secretary’s Office to cater for the lower end of the showgrounds.<\/p>\n

A special part of the opening ceremony this year was the announcement of the inaugural Fay Collard Memorial Trophy winner for most points in roses.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fay Collard, who died last November, became a member of the Murgon Show Society almost immediately after the family moved to the area in 1974.<\/p>\n

She served in many positions throughout the years, including becoming the Society’s first female president.<\/p>\n

Her husband Neil also served terms as Show Society president and the couple were both made Life Members of the association.<\/p>\n

The inaugural winner of the trophy was Stephen Kemp.<\/p>\n

A unique part of the Murgon Show official opening every year is the “blessing of the plough”, honouring farmers past, present and future. This year’s prayer and blessing were carried out by Senior Pastor Greg Carle from the Murgon Baptist Church.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The “Welcome To Country” was completed by Robert “Rocko” Langton, one of the Cherbourg artists who had been creating artworks in the Pavilion.<\/p>\n

The crowd then stood and paused for a minute’s silence to honour Uncle Laurie Bond, a well-known local elder whose funeral will be held on Friday in Cherbourg.<\/p>\n

The Murgon Show was rounded off by a packed rodeo in the evening and the traditional fireworks.<\/p>\n

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Chloe Gould and Glen Perrett with the Supreme Champion Interbreed Female and Supreme Champion Interbreed winner, “Bowenfels Special Edition”, with her five-month-old calf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Miss Junior Showgirl Teagan Hall, Miss Showgirl Donna Robinson, Wendy Ward, Stella Miller, Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff and Rural Ambassador Belynda Hiron with the Supreme Champion Interbreed Bull of the Show, “Duff Lorella Springs,” from Duff Red Brangus at Gympie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Robert “Rocko” Langton and Lewis “Knucku” Langton were two of the artists from Cherbourg’s Yidding Art Studio who were painting in the pavilion … there was a large display of Refire pottery for sale, too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cherbourg artist Venus Rabbitt was painting clap sticks which will soon be on their way to Murgon State High School<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n
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Emily Kinsella<\/span>, from Moffatdale, was a last-minute recruit to sing the National Anthem but she did it in style!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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South Burnett Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff with Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien, who officially opened the show<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The official party at the opening ceremony included Show Society patroness Gladys Sippel, front row, second from right<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Murgon RSL Sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary members, including Liz Williamson, Gloria Bell and Cynthia Smith, at front, were raising funds with a raffle with three draws for prizes worth $100 … a World War I nurses bear, a $100 groceries voucher and a World War I “Waler’s Mate” statuette<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Burnett Birdkeepers’ members Carter and Rochelle Nitschke, from Nanango, with Rosie, a blue-fronted Amazon parrot, and Samson, a blue and gold macaw<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Murgon Business and Development Association president Leo Geraghty with Geoffrey, Layton, 8; and Karen Waldron, from Murgon, who were exploring the Pavilion entries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Craig Porter, from Maleny, with the Champion Show Hunter, “Chloble Park Madrid”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Shari Baldwin, from Maleny, with Karen Clements, from Hunchy, and Karen’s mount “WG Casanova” which took out three class wins on the day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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2018 Grand Parade<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

(Click on each image to expand, then use your browser’s back arrow to return to the Gallery)<\/strong><\/p>\n