General News
23 April, 2026
Certficates for a stalwart pair
RHEOLA Charity Carnival volunteers Ron Heenan and John Shay were recognised on Easter Monday for decades of service to the event.
RHEOLA Charity Carnival volunteers Ron Heenan and John Shay were recognised on Easter Monday for decades of service to the event.
Ron was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Inglewood and Districts Health Service board chair Robert Porter.
And John, now aged 88, received his award from Maryborough and District Health Services vice-chair Kahlia Borserio.
The health services are the major beneficiaries of the annual carnival.
John has spent many decades assisting with the carnival’s smooth running while Ron is a major seller of raffle tickets.
This year he sold tickets $1300 worth. “Normally I am able to sell about $1000 in the lead up to Easter at Inglewood IGA and outside the Bridgewater Bakehouse,” he said.
“This year, people were really supportive of the carnival and raising funds for the the two health services.”
Ron has been selling tickets for more than a decade after returning to the district.
“I used to go out with my uncle Bill Soulsby more than 60 years ago collecting for the carnival.
“My mother was born in Rheola and I just enjoy being part of the team that keeps this great Easter tradition alive.”
Ron is a former board member of IDHS.
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