MATT Catto was barely a toddler when sitting in a pram at his first Rheola Charity Carnival.
The event was already more than 100 years old and the Catto family had been involved since the first grand gathering in 1871, just three years after Matt’s great-grandfather settled in the district.
“I was born in 1976, my first carnival was the next year and I haven’t missed one since,” said the fourth generation Catto as he prepares for his first carnival as president.
Matt recalls growing up with the carnival that raises funds for Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Maryborough District Health’s Dunolly campus.
“My first real role on the day was helping to run the hoop-la (quoits) table and then I was promoted to the spinning wheel that would cost 50 cents a ticket and you’d be trying to give people their change. Things became a lot easier when the price became $1,” he said.
“For years our family also supplied the sheep for the guess the weight competition. We’d be up early to select a sheep and then at the end of the day, dragging it onto the scales for weigh-in.
“And then that night I’d drive with my uncle John to Inglewood where the Westpac bank manager would up open up so we could deposit gate takings and stall funds raised during the day.
“At the same time, the bank manager was also be counting money raised on Good Friday for the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal.”
Matt says community and family connections have kept him involved with the iconic carnival all his life.
“If people came back from 150 years ago and walked through the crowd this year, they would come across the same families and many of the activities that have been on the program for so long. It’s a great family day and where else would you find a full day of entertainment for $10 admission?
“We make sure the event, the food, the drink is affordable and that’s important to keep people coming back.
“After the success of last year’s 150th carnival, I hope we can match that in 2024. The weather will decide our fate.”
Matt is proud of the family’s contribution to the district and the carnival.
He says a special moment was in 2016 when daughter Nicole was judged Miss Rheola and son James master tiny tot. To cap off the day, Matt won the sheaf toss for a second time.
And he sees the family’s next generation - the fifth - as playing their role in the tradition with youngest son James’ name already down on the roster of volunteers for Easter Monday this year.
Matt says volunteers are the heartbeat of the carnival’s organisation, singling out secretary Deb Hancock for special praise in pulling the event together.
“The thousands of people who come through the gates on Easter Monday benefit from the work of Deb and all the families of the district through the generations - Masons, Leaches, Mitchells and ... I’m sure I’ve left someone out,” he said.
“Things have became harder with a lot of government rules and regulations - we used to have horse races - there are tighter rules around the bar but we keep evolving.”
Matt also wants the reputation of the Rheola Charity Carnival to be front and centre 365 days a year.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could have a sign on the road proclaiming Rheola as the home of a great charity carnival running for more than 150 years.
“Perhaps, too, we could look to support more organisations who help make the day a success. We keep evolving but the traditions continue.”
On Easter Monday, Matt will join brothers, sisters, cousins and family friends for generations in staging the 151st Rheola Charity Carnival.