This article was created by Ben Harden and originally published in Queensland Country Life
THE small North Burnett town of Monto recently celebrated 90 years that the district has held it’s annual agricultural show.
On Saturday 15 May, the show society held a celebration lunch which saw long serving show society volunteers, past committee members and community members come together, before the 2021 district show over the weekend.
Monto district show society president Paul Francis said the 90 year celebration was a “great achievement” for rural community.
“There’s a lot of committed volunteers involved in running the Monto show, which is a testament to the community spirit in our district,” Mr Francis said.
“I think it’s a really important part of our calendar for our region, because we’re a small rural community and an agricultural service town and celebrating what we produce in the community is important.”
The district’s first show was held in 1928, with only three shows missed since that year due to the impacts of World War II, the pavilion burning down and COVID-19.
Mr Francis said the community were very pleased to be able to hold this year’s show.
“We were very pleased to be able to run it this year, and we did have to have it Covid Safe approved,” he said.
Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Judges Mary Sharp, Councilor Les Hotz and former Monto district show society president Pat Bowles.
“Pat gave selflessly to her local show society and worked alongside many other volunteers who did and continue to do so also.”
2021 Monto Showgirl and Rural Ambassador crowned
During the formalities, the society also crowned Madison Low as their 2021 Monto Showgirl.
Madison is currently studying a Bachelor of Paramedic Science, while working at the Grand Hotel and locally as a teacher aide.
In her spare time Maddi volunteers as a first aide officer for the local Football club, as well as a League Safe Officer for the NRL.
Rural Ambassador Andrew Cook and 2021 Monto Show Showgirl Madison Low.
Taking out this year’s Rural Ambassador title went to local rural contractor Andrew Cook.
Andrew shoes horses and does mustering in his own time, whilst being a member of the Mulgildie Camp draft Committee.
Mr Cook has previously been involved with showing cattle for his family and has hopes to one day purchase his own property to run Brangus cattle.
Both Madison and Andrew will go on to compete in the Sub-Chamber final at Mundubbera on Saturday 19 June, for their respective contests.