[New] Maleny Show Society

By Jennifer Kent

AS the Maleny Show Society prepares to celebrate 100 years of shows this year, it has welcomed seven new life members,

Peggy Burnett on a garden club trip and she convinced me to help her with the cut flowers display at the upcoming Maleny Show. I helped her until her retirement, then went on to assist Olga for a

Age: 86

First involved: I became involved with the show when I first arrived in Maleny in 1994. I met

Kayrene Corkin

Age: 75 years

First involved: As a child my parents were involved in the Maleny Show. I first became involved in the 1970s helping with catering, but my real love has been since the 1990s where I became Steward of the Main Ring.

Favourite Memory: As a child sitting in the classroom at Maleny State School when we saw the first Side Show Truck roll into town was exciting.

Also, there was always fun and laughter working alongside the Main Ring Announcer, the Late Alain Henderson, for almost 30 years.

What do you love about volunteering: The joy of seeing

Bob Corkin

Age: 78 years

First involved: Officially in the 1980’s but before that it was tagging along with Family. I’ve been on the Grounds Committee, tasked with setting up before the show, as well as helping erect the horse yard before the show. I also work in the Show jumping Ring throughout the show.

Favourite Memory: The Junior Six Bar on Friday Night, Show jumping.

What do you love about volunteering: I love the friendships and camaraderie over the years.

Laurelle Newton Age:

78

First involved: Over 45 years ago. I think it was Gerry Cole and Ros Sinclair who encouraged me to help out at the show. At the time my husband was in business and growing up my parents were always volunteering their time to help others – it was just the right thing to do… you do things for the good of the community.

Favourite memory: I don’t have just one memory that springs to mind, but I suppose it is just meeting up with people. I was incredibly humbled to be recognised by the society with this lifetime membership.

What do you love about volunteering: The camaraderie. Being with people and working alongside them to see the show come together. There wouldn’t be a show with the volunteers.

Ken McPhee

Age: 90

First involved: About 45 years ago. I joined the Pony Club and became involved through the club, helping with the kid’s show jumping.

Favourite memory: a lot of good friends over the years through the show. There’s a photo on myself and some other great blokes sitting on the back of a ute… I still have that photo. There was one year we all put our brands on the wall – I’m sure they are there somewhere. There’s been a lot of great memories over the years.

What do you love about volunteering: It’s good to do something for the district and you make a lot of friends along the way. There’s some that are missing now, but we’ve got great memories of times together.