West Moreton Anglican College celebrate their award-winning Cattle Show Team season culminating in a plethora of EKKA ribbons
EKKA success for WestMAC’s Cattle Show Team is bringing pride and joy to the College community, buoyed by achieving several podium finishes and ribbons at the famous event.
The results come following nine months of training dedication by West Moreton Anglican College’s cattle show team, who were primed for their first Queensland Royal Show in three years.
WestMAC, boasting the Ipswich region’s largest cattle show school team of 42 members, won a swathe of ribbons in this season’s West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Show Circuit leading into EKKA, which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.
WestMAC’s 2022 EKKA results:
• First in Herdsmen competition
• Third in the Interschool Cattle Judging competition from more than 16 other schools from around Queensland and New South Wales
• Third overall in the Interschool Young Judging competition
• Abigail B. (Year 11) 5th in Junior Paraders competition with Blackduck Spritzer in a 90-plus field.
• Veronica B. (Year 11) and Lucy P. (Year 11) finalists in Junior Paraders competition in a 90-plus field
• Highly Commended for Samson M. (Year 9) in the Young Judges competition in a 40-plus field
Acting Head of Agricultural Science and Cattle Show Team Pip Smith was proud of the achievements of the team of 12 diligent and top performing students, from Years 8 to 12, who were excited to represent WestMAC at this year’s EKKA.
“This is one of the most hardest working and dedicated teams we’ve had at the College, so it’s exciting to see this season’s success, especially at EKKA, which is a fitting reward for the students after nine months of preparation,’’ she said. “Our students are passionate about being the best they can be.’’
Bella Johnstone, who has won several ribbons as a five-year team member including second in last month’s Gatton Show’s Farmer’s Challenge, said competing at EKKA was a highlight because of her family’s connection to the beloved event.
Her grandfather Dr Vivian Edwards was RNA President for seven years (2003-2010), having been associated with the prestigious show for several decades, while her grandmother Jennifer is a well-known horse breeder, and her mother Annabelle has been an Honorary Council Steward for more than 25 years.
"It’s very exciting the show has gone ahead this year because it's the biggest show you can attend in Queensland, and we’ve been working hard all year to be there,’’ Bella said.
“It has meant a lot to be part of such a famous event, especially knowing my family’s history with EKKA. To be a member of a ribbon-winning team, finishing third against such tough competition from all over Queensland and Northern New South Wales, is a massive bonus and very exciting.
“We have a fantastic team spirit and have learnt skills and knowledge from not only our supportive teachers but also older students, who are role models.’’
WestMAC students achieved more than a combined seven ribbons and a multitude of top-ten placings this season at three pre-EKKA shows: Toogoolawah, Boonah, and Gatton.
Season results included Bronte W. winning her 12-14 years Intermediate Paraders Class while Ella C. and Bella claimed top-eight positions in the 15-20 years Senior Paraders class at Toogoolawah Show, where there was up to 40 entries per event from all over south-east Queensland.
At Gatton, Mackenzie M. received second placing in the Junior Paraders along with Veronica B. and Lucy P. second and third placings respectively for the Junior Judging Competition, while at Boonah, Lucy also claimed second in her Paraders age group, along with Bronte’s third in her age section. WestMAC also achieved second in the Farmers’ Challenge at Gatton led by Cattle Show Team captain Maggie B. and Bella.
WestMAC Cattle Show Team co-manager Ms Smith was pleased that the students’ hard work was not only yielding results but also ensuring rapidly improving skills and confidence.
“We have a young team of passionate and dedicated members, so it has been rewarding to see the students build on their results after each show,’’ Ms Smith said.
“Late last year the students had to break in the cattle themselves, so it is impressive that the students are now showing these cattle. The best part is seeing the students smile after all the hard work.’’
WestMAC has also triumphed in the Stud Beef ring at all three shows, backed by Charnelle Charolais stud farm, as well as the Black Duck Charolais stud farm, who support the College’s extensive agricultural program.
There are more than a dozen head of cattle on the 20-acre farm, which is part of the West Moreton Anglican College campus.
Ms Smith, who is also Acting Teacher-in-Charge of Agricultural Science, thanked WestMAC’s dedicated team of teachers, specialist tutors and volunteers who have supported and mentored the students, who train several hours a week.
“We have many students with an interest in agricultural science and the cattle show team, and we help students develop the skills and knowledge for rural careers as well as provide top-level industry connections,’’ she said.
Bella, 16, of Brassall, added: "I want to study equine science because I’m interested in a career in equine reproduction and I’m learning all the time when I’m on the farm…WestMAC has a fantastic agricultural program, and we receive access to many opportunities which will help me to achieve my future goals.’’
For more information on WestMAC’s award-winning Cattle Show Team and agricultural science programs, go to:
wmac.com.au/our-college/extra-curricular-programs/our-farm.
For more information:
West Moreton Anglican College Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
Fiona Purdon
P:07 3813 4518 and M: 0429 491 335