FLOOD worries were sidelined when the Monto community rallied for their 83rd annual show.
More than 150 prime cattle, 80 head of stud cattle, world-class horsemanship and mammoth monster trucks drew hordes of visitors to the local showgrounds last weekend.
Stud cattle judge Andrew Cavanagh, Kentville, with his nephew Spencer Allen, Yeppoon.. Click on this image to see more photos in our online gallery.
This year the iconic event recognised two vibrant young women in the Rural Ambassador and Miss Showgirl awards, who were celebrated for their passion and commitment to the Monto district.
Born and raised in Brisbane, 2013 Rural Ambassador Hana Penney said country living had become something that runs in her veins.
Now living with her husband Lindsay and two-year-old daughter Grace on a hay and Bazadais stud outside of Monto, Hana couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
But her transition into this idyllic lifestyle hasn’t come without its challenges.
“It was a very, very steep hill to climb,” Hana laughed.
“I didn’t even know how to ride a horse.”
Hana aims to use her Rural Ambassador position and her strong involvement in the Monto Show to advocate for farming communities.
“Having come from the city I am well aware of the lack of education there is about rural communities,” she explained.
This year’s Miss Showgirl winner Donna Baker was lured back to the Monto district where she runs a successful beauty salon called Molly-Coddle.
After studying on the Sunshine Coast, a love for her family and friends took her home.
“Monto is full of really nice people who make you feel warm and fuzzy,” she said.
Having never missed a Monto Show, Donna said she believes they are the lifeblood of a community, with her favourite aspect being the chance to catch-up with old faces and show Red Brangus cattle.
“You know that you’re a true ‘showie’ when the man at the ‘strawberries and cream’ van knows your name,” she laughed.
Despite her love for the show, Donna said she was eager to modernise the movement in an attempt to involve more of the younger community and preserve this wonderful tradition.
