Central Queensland Australian Light Horse Re-enactment & Reunion

Event since inception . . .

The Inaugural Central Queensland Australian Light Horse Re-enactment & Reunion, achieved resounding success in 2005, creating a regional event for Monto, recognising the significant contribution of the Monto 5th Light Horse Troops to Australia in WWII.

This event also recognised the enormous contribution this community made not only to the Light Horse, but in having perhaps the highest enlistment number per capital in Australia at that time.

This community was responsible for more than 820 enlistments for service across the Defence Force, with more than 135 joining the Light Horse. It is extraordinary to realise that Monto, so far from major centres, and a shire of only 4,000 at the time of its formation in 1932 gave so much to serve its country. Predominately a dairy and farming community at the time, Monto also housed a prisoner of war camp, near the site of its present RSL Club.

Captain Bill Rhodes, personally recognised for enlisting more than 1,500 men from Monto and surrounding districts was also instrumental in the formation of the Monto RSL Club. It is information such as this which has assisted the Monto Light Horse event in achieving major support, in recognition of this community for its part in service to Australia in times of conflict.

The event was honoured to have as special guests Member for Hinkler Paul Neville, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Veteran Affairs Deanne Kelly, Wide Bay Zone RSL President, Monto Shire Mayor Warren McLachlan, Monto RSL President Graham Sanderson, almost a dozen of the remaining 5th Light Horse Monto Troop, and to present the Monto Memorial Cup, Mrs Ida Jamieson, widow of Major Roy Jamieson, Commanding Officer of the 5th Light Horse Monto Troop. Sadly, she has recently been laid to rest, just prior to her 103rd Birthday, and Mrs Sadie Hampson, Monto's last remaining WWI widow, who at 104 year of age aptly presented the trophy for Highest Point Score. Her late husband served in the 47th Battalion after transferring from the Australian Light Horse in about 1916. Mrs Hampson who lived independently until mid 2006 will be invited to visit the event in 2008.

More than 800 visited the inaugural event, which included displays from Central Queensland Military & Artefacts Museum (Rockhampton), Monto History Centre, Monto Historical Society Inc., Marshall Fine Arts Editions, Military Jeep Club of Queensland, performances from the Monto Instrumental Community and visiting bush poets.

The reunion dinner was held at the nearby Monto & District RSL Club, with more than 120 sharing the evening, from Cairns to Mudgeeraba and the Darling Downs.

2006 : Second Annual CQALHR&R Event . . .

This event furthered the success of the inaugural in attracting more than 40 Light Horse Troop Members from all over regional Queensland. It was then honoured to find the ALHA Association Cup was designated to be awarded at this event, as the biggest Light Horse sporting event in regional eastern Australia. As the Monto Memorial Cup operates the same events as the ALHA Association Cup it was run in conjunction with the Monto Memorial Cup. The Australian Stock Horse Society newly launched perpetual trophy "The Monty Trophy" was also awarded at Monto, for the best presented and performed registered Australian Stock Horse participating in the ALHA Association Cup.

Another inaugural award, the Dale Robertson Perpetual Shield, was also awarded to Monto. Dale Robertson, the last remaining director of ALHA who actively served in the Australian Light Horse travelled from Sydney to judge and present this award. At 86 years of age, it is input from Mr Robertson which encouraged the organising committee to investigate the proposal of adding rider training workshops to the 2007 event.

The 2006 event, whilst achieving success in attracting ten riding sections, displays and demonstrations, entertainment and about 800 visitors, also recognised which aspects would require modification to handle the increasing numbers expected for 2007. Debriefings have been held, and a survey of participants, sponsors and visitors has helped to identify areas of possible improvement for the future of this event.

2008: Third Annual CQALHR&R Event . . .

The event has been developed to improve its operation, whilst protecting the investment of the organising committee, partners and sponsors for the future. Modifications include:

Extensions of the event timetable to include proposed rider training workshops for those interested in their horsemanship skills, drill and parade performance.
Rider Training Workshop entry will be at no charge, however, participants are required to book in before 1 September (unless otherwise agreed with ALHMDSG prior). As the event is not operating on a public level during the Rider Training Workshop period, ALHMDSG has co-ordinated meals for all attending. Riders may nominate to attend one, two or the full three day workshop, by completing and forwarding the appropriate nomination form. Workshop nominations will include a breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day at a total cost of $30 per rider. Meals will be available in the dining area at the grounds, it is important those requiring special diet note this on their nomination form. Riders will be requested to present payment for workshops on arrival, if not forwarded to ALHMDSG prior. No riders will be accepted for workshops unless payment has been received in full. Please note, the meal fee is not a profit exercise, but to ensure caterers on site are able to plan efficiently and meet costs. The fee is also introduced as instructors for these workshops will need to be recompensed in some way.
Rescheduling the event into a school holiday period aiming to attract more family visits by both participants and spectators, in particular those from northern NSW, as well as regional Queensland.
Light Horse events to be operated in Advanced and Intermediate Classes, to handle both the growing number of entrants, and to allow a level of competition which meets experience and skill.
Introduction of a further trophy, Highest Point Score for Novice Entrant, to encourage novice entry to the event.
Formation of sub-committees to assist organizers in operating the event efficiently, and to be able to handle proposed development and growth.
Submissions for funding support to increase the advertising reach into more newspapers, including NSW, and to create potential advertising in radio and television have been undertaken.
Submissions for funding support to enable the launch and maintenance of a dedicated website for the event and the Light Horse display have been undertaken.
Submission for funding support to contract secretarial and administrational support, in part to assist in the efficiency of this project, which requires much administration, and in part to ensure the event operation is recorded, to create succession planning due to the age of the organizing committee. This submission has been undertaken.
Nomination forms will be modified for 2008, where every nomination of a section of 4 riders will be required to include the nomination of a non-riding ground crew member to assist with the operation of ring events, as this was an area of weakness in both 2005 and 2006.
Where there are nominations from riders, who entering individually, or not in a full section, ALHMDSG will co-ordinate composite sections for the Monto Memorial Cup, unless a nomination is received prior to 1 September of a composite section which has already nominated its riders from more than one Light Horse Troop. It is hoped that these nominations will still include the name of a nominated ground crew person, however individual nominations will be considered which do not nominate a ground crew support person.
Increase in the number of judges, pencillors and timers, to handle the increasing number of entrants. It is proposed should the event attract 60 or more riders, to divide the events into two groups running concurrently, to ensure efficient operation, and to enhance the visitor experience.
Nomination forms will require contact details for every rider in a section, to ensure organizers can contact any entrant in the event of any accounts requiring settlement.
Whilst nominated entry in the Monto Memorial Cup will continue to be free, nominated riders, crew and support will be required to pay a nominal gate entry fee $3 per day.
Camping will remain free for nominated riders, ground and support crew, however visitors not participating or volunteering services will be charged a nominal camping fee of $4 per night per person.
Horse feed (hay) will be supplied again in 2008, however each rider competing in Monto Memorial Cup will receive one bale each when the nomination form including the nominated ground crew is presented on arrival, and any further bales will be available at a subsidized cost of $5 per bale. Riders taking part in the rider training workshops will also be able to purchase hay at the subsidized cost of $5 per bale during that period. This is unavoidable, as the increases in numbers represented a total of more than $1,200 in horse feed and hay being distributed free to entrants in 2006, and is likely to increase the budget beyond our limits unless a new system is introduced for 2008. Monto is well known as a supplier of quality horse feed and hay, with the market price being $12 – 20 per bale depending on the season. It is hoped entrants consider the subsidy meets the needs of all parties.
All entrants will be requested to respect and adhere to CQALHR&R event regulations, including the purchase and consumption of alcohol to be contained to the licensed area. Any entrant not adhering to CQALHR&R could face disqualification from the Monto Memorial Cup, and possible action if it is considered that action could bring ALHMDSG into disrepute in any way. This includes any action related in any way to the CQALHR&R. This is required to ensure ALHMDSG is able to build on this successful event in the future, without risk to partners, sponsors or organizers.
Any request for modification to event rules must be received in writing by the organizing committee prior to 30 July to be considered. No rules will be considered changeable after 15 August unless instructed by ALHA in writing as a directive to meet ALHA regulations. ALHMDSG reserves the right to operate the CQALHR&R in its current form, unless operating regulations preclude some aspect of a specific event rule.
All riders nominated for entry in Monto Memorial Cup, ground crew, judges and support crews are required to attend the Judges and Riders Briefing Meeting on Friday 3rd October on the grounds.
Invitation has been issued to Queensland Mounted Infantry 2nd/14th and its commanding officers to participate in 2008, and to Queensland Mounted Police, Queensland Police Pipes & Drums, with ALHMDSG awaiting confirmations closer to the event. Due to the operational requirements of these groups it is not possible to guarantee their attendance until a few weeks prior.
Invitation has been issued to Australian Army Cadets to consider this event as a venue for the planned Cadet camps for 2008. It is not known whether this will eventuate, as there are many aspects to consider in their decision.
Invitation will again be forwarded to Defence Recruiting to participate, their attendance being so popular in 2005, and even more with the Defence Recruiting Display in 2006.
Exhibitors and stalls such an ice cream vendor, coffee and refreshment vendor, Hot Rod 4 Kids operator and others indicated at the close of the 2006 event an interest in returning, and invitations will be forwarded to them in the near future.
Marshall Fine Arts Editions have agreed to return with an exhibition of work, including their latest Light Horse paintings and prints. The exhibition will have an opening wine and cheese evening on 1st October in the pavilion.
Licensing applications will this year include the evenings of 1st & 2nd October, for those attending workshops, and to encourage socializing between troops, riders, and support crews with visitors, who have travelled to share in the experience.

Every attention to detail, feedback from participants and visitors has been taken into consideration to assist in the planning to create an even more successful event in 2008, the year of the 90th Anniversary of the Beersheba Charge.

It is planned to incorporate material regarding the historic Beersheba Charge in the 2008 program, raising public awareness of this heroic Light Horse achievement. Bob Thomas has accepted invitation to write the Beersheba Charge article for the 2008 program, for which ALHMDSG is most thankful.

It is not known whether any riders in the Beersheba Charge originated from this region, however as a community with a high percentage of population having family members who rode with the Light Horse, and as a region known for its high level of horsemanship in polocrosse, showjumping, horse racing and other horse sporting disciplines it is anticipated there will be a high level of interest in this event.

Should you note any details which may raise a query with you or your members please contact the Event Co-ordinator at your earliest opportunity. It is hoped to have all details in place as early as possible, to maximize opportunity to promote this event.

Constructive comments are welcome, we thank all those who provided constructive comment and suggestions for improvement. ALHMDSG has carefully considered all feedback in order to create modifications to further improve the CQALHR&R for the future.

Hopefully that will keep everyone abreast of what is happening and what is planned for Monto this year. It is our aim this year to utilise the web for most communication as the administration levels required for this event would mean the employment of a full time staff just to process the mountains of paperwork - in the meantime please see that all troop members and secretaries see this posting.

PLEASE ALL SECRETARIES PROVIDE CURRENT EMAIL AND PHONE CONTACT DETAILS TO ALHMDSG.....ASAP

Grounds open 1st October, 2008 for preparation and set up and to cater to early arrivals for the event.
1st October, 2008.

6.45am-8.00am	Breakfast
	Riders Training Workshops*
8.30am-11.30am	Mounted Drill
12.00noon-1.00pm	Lunch
1.30pm-4.30pm	Dismounted Drill
3.00pm	Light Horse Bar Opens
6.00pm-7.30pm	Dinner
	Open Art Exhibition
	Bush Poetry
10.30pm	Site Closed

2nd October, 2008.

6.45am-8.00am	Breakfast
	Riders Training Workshops*
8.30am-11.30am	Tentpegging
1.30pm-4.30pm	Skill At Arms
3.00pm	Light Horse Bar Opens
6.00pm-7.30pm	Dinner
6.30pm	Moonlight Movies*
	The Light Horsemen/ Anzacs

3rd October, 2008.

6.45am-8.00am	Breakfast
	Riders Training Workshops*
8.30am-11.30am	Jumping
1.30pm-4.30pm	Obstacles
3.00pm	Light Horse Bar Opens
5.00pm	Judges & Riders Briefing Meeting
6.00pm	Meet & Greet
6.00pm-7.30pm	Dinner
	Bush Poetry & Music
* Riders Training Workshops will be confirmed upon receipt of confirmation of available instructors, and may require slight adjustment of scheduling to suit. * Moonlight Movies may be subject to change according to availability. * Unless prior arrangement all riders and crew MUST attend Judges and Riders Briefing Meeting. * Any proposed changes to rules and regulations must be received in writing before [date] for consideration. * Event organisers ALHMDSG have final decision on all aspects of the event. * All participants and guests accept all rules in regards to the operating of this event, including all regulations which preclude the consumption of alcohol except for that purchased and consume in approved licensed area.

4th October, 2008.

6.30am	Breakfast & Bush Poetry
8.00am	Flag Raising Ceremony
8.30am	Opening Grand Parade
8.30am-5.30pm	Monto Memorial Cup : Main Ring
	Entertainment
8.30am onwards	Pavilion & Grounds Displays
	Food, Licenced Bar & Refreshments
5.30pm	Lowering of the Flags
6.00pm	Reunion Dinner
10.30pm	Bar Closes
11.00pm	Site Closes

5th October, 2008.

6.45am-8.00am	Breakfast & Bush Poetry
8.00am	Flag Raising Ceremony
8.30am-1.30pm	Monto Memorial Cup : Main Ring
	Entertainment
8.30am onwards	Pavilion & Grounds Displays
	Food, Licenced Bar & Refreshments
1.30pm	Closing Grand Parade
	Official Presentations & Speeches
	Event Official Close
	Lowering of the Flags

* Please Note: Timing of Official Presentations & Speeches, Grand Closing Parade and lowering of the flags will depend on actual time of finish of ring events and could be subject to change on the day.

Followed by: dismantle venue, equipment and clean up commences. Informal barbecue for remaining troops and volunteers. Site remains open until [date] to allow rest before departure of our ground crews, support crews and riders.

Please note: This preliminary program is subject to change, changes will be notified as they occur, through ALHMDSG Newsletter, or at the Judges & Riders Meeting [date]
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