General News
25 April, 2025
Rheola raises over $20k
The Rheola Charity Carnival returned bigger and better this year, as thousands gathered at the Rheola Pioneers Reserve over the Easter weekend.
In its 152nd year, the event had exceeded last year’s attendance, and as a result, the gate total came to $21,120.
Rheola Charity Carnival secretary Deb Hancock said she was amazed by this year’s crowd.
“We could estimate over 3000 people attended, and people travelled from far and wide with many from interstate including Queensland and New South Wales,” she said.
“We noticed many from through-out Victoria, places such as Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Swan Hill and Donald attended for the first time.”
The day hosted events including the tractor pull, pony club, woodchopping, athletic events, sheep dog trials, a show and shine plus novelty events including sheaf toss, bowling at the wicket and kicking the football through the hoop.
Ms Hancock said there were many events on the day that were more popular than anticipated.
“The show and shine presented by the Inglewood Car and Bike Club for the first time saw over 80 cars on display,” she said.
“The sheep dog trials were a highlight of the day for many. The crowd surrounded the arena with many sections three to four people deep most of the day.
“This year’s commentator gave brilliant descriptions of the event allowing the crowd to understand the rules and requirements for both the dog and handler.”
Following last year’s success, ABC Radio Country Hour returned to broadcast the event statewide.
The official presentations of the day included trophies awarded to the winners of the Rheola Boy/Girl Competition and the running events.
Appreciation awards were presented from each hospital to people who have greatly contri-buted to our event over the years in raising much needed funds for each hospital who are some of the beneficiaries of the day.
This year Lisa Goettler received the Maryborough and District Health Service — Dunolly Campus Appreciation Award presented by CEO Nickola Allan.
The overall profit of the event will be distributed and donated to the hospitals in Inglewood and Dunolly, as well as the Rheola Public Hall and Pioneers Reserve.