Horse breeding farm

Friday, January 28, 2022

COMMUNITY Innisfail Horse and Pony Club 61st anniversary celebrations

MARIA GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL Horse and Pony Club celebrated its 61st anniversary in late 2021 with a special gathering and dinner at Innisfail RSL.

Club life members Rhonda Mayocchi, Tom Mauloni were in attendance, and Scott and Diann Petersen, with Scott, the great-grandson of the Club's founder Archie Gordon.

Currently, the Club's executive committee is Danielle Cini (President), Julianne Madsen (Secretary), Julie Sain (Vice President), Carmel Cavallaro (Canteen) and Teresa Russo (Grants Officer).

Long-time members include Julianne Madsen (40 years), the McDermid's (since 1963), Stacey Locastro (30 years), Julianne Madsen, Bobbie-Lee Philp, Rhonda Mayocchi, Tom Mauloni and Mo Crowley (10 years).

The Club received a certificate in recognition of its outstanding commitment to the community from Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP.

The idea for the Pony Club first began when a keen rider named Archie Gordon, one of the Club's life members, first began giving horse rides to locals under the shade of enormous rain trees at Innisfail Showgrounds in 1958.

He felt it was essential to encourage and provide local youth with learning opportunities to become skilled riders.

Gordon also identified the need for a safe and professional location, so he acquired the land behind the racetrack from Council, which was scrub. Clearing the ground took place with help from volunteer parents and community members, and it was ready for use in 1960.

The first clubhouse was an iron building transported over from the Show Society to the current grounds. Initially, a church group used the facility for serving food at the local show.

In 1987, a new masonry block building (the current canteen) was named in Gordon's honour.

Through the help of grants, fundraising, community support and donations, along with the tireless efforts of past members and current members, Innisfail Horse and Pony Club has achieved significant accomplishments by way of equipment, buildings and facilities, as well as producing quality riders of all levels.

Innisfail Horse and Pony Club are collecting recyclable cans and bottles as a fundraiser. Anyone wanting to donate their items can contact Carmel Cavallaro on 0427 966 945.

The Club is holding its AGM on Monday, February 7 at 6.30 pm at the clubhouse, Wattle Street, Goondi Hill, and new members are welcome to attend.

Former and current members attended Innisfail Horse and Pony Club's 61st-anniversary celebration at Innisfail RSL. Innisfail Horse and Pony Club members Carmel Cavallaro, Danielle Cini and Julianne Madsen cut the special cake.

Innisfail Dramatic Arts puts call out for budding young actors

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL Dramatic Arts end 2021 on a high with two polished performances of 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Con Theatre, which attracted sell-out audiences on both nights.

This famous story was adapted by playwright Kathryn Schultz Miller and Art-Reach, directed by Erika Swiney with assistance from Angela Leutton.

The audience's children and parents relived the heart-warming story through the 24 cast members from local primary and high schools ranging in ages from Prep to high school.

The talented young cast displayed great versatility, with nine playing two roles throughout the play.

Rockman's Innisfail Manager Trude Choyce, Erika Swiney and Angela Leutton designed, purchased and donated the stunning stage props, costumes and sets.

Director Erika Swiney said she was thrilled with the positive response received by the audience and how the acting talents of the children shone on stage. "It has been a hectic and productive year, but it's been amazing and rewarding to see just how much the young cast has gained in confidence and developed both on and off stage." "A special mention to the cast, parents who helped behind the scenes to bring the production together, backstage helpers, stagehands, sound/lighting crew, audiences and all the people in the community who assisted in any way," said Swiney.

Swiney is excited to announce Innisfail Dramatic Arts production in 2022 will be the Christmas tale of 'The Grinch' with performances in November.

Anyone aged between six and 16 interested in being part of the cast can contact Erika on 0434 149 568; via email: kme3781@dodo.com.au or check out Innisfail Dramatic Arts Facebook page for enrolment details.

Innisfail Dramatic Arts is also offering 'Magical Beast and the Magical Suitcase' on a smaller scale for children in the older age group from 12 to 16 years.

Sign on days will take place on Monday, January 31 and Thursday, February 3, from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm, with classes due to commence on February 7, at Con Theatre, Innisfail, from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm.