By Kirra Livingstone
IT’S been three decades and Matthew Howard is ready to hit ‘paws’ in his role as Maleny Show Dog Steward.
Matthew will run his final Dog Jump Show during the long weekend show days alongside Debbie Haddock, who inspired the idea 30 years ago.
“Debbie got this idea from the Dalby Herald and she said ‘how about you get it started at the Maleny Show’, and I thought it was a good idea,” he said.
“We started it in 1994 and it was made as an event to just fill in time, but now people just love it.”
Matthew has been involved in the Maleny Show Society for 40 years, and said he still gets a buzz out of volunteering.
“I would love to still be involved in the Maleny Show next year, but I’ll be doing something else,” he said.
“We’ve been involved with the show for 40 years now so it’s time to hand it over.
“It’s so great to see that every age group loves this event; all the kids line up out the front to watch, everyone is leaning in with anticipation. It’s a real drawcard; I love it.”
But he said it was time to bring in some fresh ideas and energy and Rohan Williams would be the perfect candidate, adding it was important to allow younger generations to take over from long-serving volunteers.
Rohan sponsors the show through his business, Total Building and Construction, and has been involved for 10 years.
“Rohan’s a top bloke and keen to help and be involved as much as possible,” Matthew said.
“He volunteered his time, workers and resources to fix a shed at the Maleny Showgrounds last week, which we appreciate.
“He’s also been encouraging a couple of mates to get involved with the show.”
Prize money has gone up for this year’s event, first prize is $200, second is $100 and third is $50, so if you’d like to attend the Maleny Show and enter your dog into the jump show, visit https://malenyshowsociety.org.au/shop/
kirra@gcnews.com.au