NEW Rheola Charity Carnival president Matt Catto wants to build on the success of this year’s 150th event.
Mr Catto was elected president on Sunday, succeeding Peter Mason who stepped down after 13 years and committee leader presiding on 10 Easter carnivals.
“Peter has given us wonderful leadership and helped keep the enthusiasm during COVID years when we were stuck waiting to run the 150th carnival,” he said.
A member of the committee since 1979, Mr Mason will continue as part of the organising team.
Mr Mason announced that this year’s carnival had returned a record $60,000 profit.
The committee will donate $20,000 to both Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Maryborough District Health Service Dunolly.
Rheola Hall and recreation reserve committees will be given $10,000 each.
Mr Catto follows a long line in his family who have been part of the charity carnival committee including his great-grandfather who settled in the area 160 years ago, grandfather, father and uncles.
“We had a wonderful event this year and as the shire’s longest running event, we want to have a base that can carry Rheola Charity Carnival through for another 150 years,” he said.
Sunday’s annual meeting also elected senior vice-president Glenn Catto, junior vice-president Mary-Anne Duke, secretary Deb Hancock and treasurer Lisa Goettler.
The committee will meet again next month to plan the 2024 event.