Hinterland Grapevine - Volunteers help make our show possible

Behind the scenes an army of volunteers will be working long hours before, during and after the Caloundra City Show, ensuring the event's two-day run goes smoothly for an estimated crowd of 10,000.

And in addition to the fantastic sponsorship and interest from show people and competitors, it is these volunteers who are the heroes who help the Maleny Show Society present one of South East Queensland's best events.

According to Show Society President Ivan Hankinson, the society virtually begins organising the next year's event shortly after the previous year's is over. But it is the army of volunteers from the community that provides the necessary assistance for what Ivan describes as a "crazy two weeks" preceding the event. "This is all about community as people come out to help us set up simply because they know there is a lot of stuff to get put into place," he said. "Without this help, just like any event of this nature, we would be struggling."

Ivan said that on average 30 to 40 people are on site in the week prior to the Show Grounds opening its gates to the crowds.    And at the event itself a mass of volunteer stewards supervise to ensure things go smoothly.    But it is after the show that the most help is really needed ...   "On the Sunday we have at least 70 to 80 people on hand to help clear up," said Ivan.

"We hold a big lunch to thank them as a rapid clean-up is a key part of the show being able to be staged in the first place."   Ivan also said the show depended on its sponsors without whom the event would not take place to the magnitude it does.   "We have sponsorship on all different levels," he said.    "Either with money time or equipment.   All are essential to making this event what it is."

Ivan also wanted to extend a big thank you to his Treasurer, Chris Brooker, Senior Vice President Ian Aldred, Junior Vice President Monica Skerman and the entirety of the Management Committee Executive and all the other committees involved with the show.    "All these people make my job that bit easier" said Ivan.

He also wanted to give a special thank you to hard-working Jean Brooks who is leaving this year.
"She came in raw about eight years ago and proved invaluable," said Ivan.

Photo above: Some of the volunteers take a break from setting up the cattle pavillion

Photo Left: Calm before the storm....Ivan Hankinson looks over works at the showground.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 May 2005 )

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