FROM his early days growing up in Maleny and sleeping in the dairy sheds as a young veterinary student in the 1960s, to shaping the Ekka’s animal welfare and biosecurity practices in recent years, Dr Roly Neiper (pictured) has been honoured with the RNA’s highest accolade – the 2025 Ekka Legend Award.
Dr Neiper, who still proudly calls Maleny home, received the prestigious title from RNA President David Thomas at a reception held at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) presented by the Bank of Queensland (BOQ) earlier this month on Tuesday August 12.
Roly’s association with the Ekka stretches back nearly six decades. As a vet student in the mid-1960s, he spent several years sleeping rough in the dairy sheds while caring for cattle from a local Maleny dairy farm.
In December 2014 he returned to where it all began, appointed Chair of the RNA’s Veterinary, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Committee. Since his first Show in that role in 2015, he has been the driving force behind the Ekka’s veterinary and animal welfare practices.
A highly respected veterinary surgeon, Dr Neiper has served both within government and the RNA, including as Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries.
RNA President David Thomas praised his contribution, saying Roly’s knowledge and experience had been invaluable to the Show.
“Biosecurity and animal welfare are of the utmost importance to the RNA and Roly’s expertise has greatly benefited the Ekka,” he said. “Roly has proactively strengthened our preventative measures, guided our strategies through emerging biosecurity challenges, and always ensured our animals are housed, protected and cared for to the highest standards. He has a genuine understanding of our exhibitors’ love and care for their animals and is well respected by both RNA staff and exhibitors for his personable approach.”
The Ekka Legend Award recognises individuals who have made a remarkable contribution to the Show. Introduced in 2004, just 18 people have now received the RNA’s most prestigious honour.