As part of the Australia Day honours, a number of big names in the show community have been recognised. Merrilyn Gollan, Valrie Mayger and Helen Geard were appointed as a Members of the Order of Australia.
Merrilyn Gollan was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the Agricultural Show Sector. Merrilyn became a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia in 1940, she was Chief Arena Steward from 2003 to 2018, Ring Steward from 1988 to 2002, a member of the Horse Committee from 1972 to 2022 and was appointed a Honorary Life Member in 2020. Merrylin was also an active member of the Brunswick Agricultural Society, the Bunbury Horse and Pony Club, the South West Over 55s Cycle Club and received WA Volunteer Service Award – 25 Years or More from Government of Western Australia in 2014.
Valrie Mayger was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to Equestrian Sports. Valrie was a board member for Equestrian Western Australia from 1965 to 197, and 1985 to 2011, Coordinator of the Young Dressage Rider Squad from 1978 to1986, Chair of the Show Horse Committee from 2017 to 2021, a member of the Horse Welfare Committee from 2010 to 2021, Team Manager for the Western Australian Show Horse Team from 2012 to 2015 and appointed a Life Member in 2014. Valrie has also served many roles for Equestrian Australia, Riding for the Disabled Western Australia and received the May Campbell Services to Sport Award at the RAC Western Australian Sports Stars Awards in 2018.
RAST’s Vice President Ms Helen Geard was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to youth, and to the Community. She first became involved in the Royal Hobart Show helping Rural Youth to run dog high jump competitions and Ute musters. As a Councilor, she assisted with the Creative Crafts section and looking after the entry gates which she continues to do to this day contributing countless hours to ensure the smooth operation of the Show Gates every year. In 2016, Helen became a Board member of RAST and was elected Vice President in July 2017, and became the first female Vice President in the organisation’s history.
