ALPHA SHOW SOCIETY
Life Members
Past Life Members
Eileen McMurdo: 11th November 1952 - 8th October 2019
Eileen was involved in the Alpha Show Society for many years, including being Secretary in 1985/1986, when Keith Bettridge was President and Treasurer in 1989/1990, when Jill Hutchinson was President. Her son Andy was only a young boy and when attending a show meeting, she would buy him a packet of chips and a drink and then tell him to BUTT OUT until the meeting was finished.
During the Centenary Year of Alpha, special show ribbons were to be ordered. A few days prior to the show Keith asked Eileen if she would get the ribbons so they could be sorted into each section. Keith took one look at Eileen’s face and walked out of the office. A little while later Eileen found Keith and asked him if he was angry. His reply was, no of course not but let’s go back into the office and see what we can sort out! Well the ribbons were ordered, the Post Office was opened on Friday (as our show days were then Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Friday being the public holiday) and the Centenary Ribbons were presented. They always had a laugh about this for many years and the story was told many times.
Eileen continued to volunteer at the show and became the Horse Marshalling Steward. Everyone knew that when Eileen said GOOD MORNING it meant that the ring was ready to commence! She kept the 3 rings going throughout the show, knowing most of the competitors, as well as their horses and their names. Nothing slipped past Eileen. This position was held by Eileen for 25 years, until she retired as Marshall in 2015, she then continued to help her husband Barry to photograph the show. Eileen dedicated many years as a volunteer to the Alpha Show - as Marshall, attending meetings, helping at the grounds and just by turning up with a story and a laugh, she was always available to do any job and was very dependable. In 2012 Eileen was awarded Life Membership of the Alpha Show. She was presented with her badge by Show Patron Mrs Josie Zahl and Show Girl Miss Shannae Goodwin. Eileen was incredibly happy and proud to receive Life Membership, which was greatly deserved due to her outstanding contribution to the Alpha Show. Eileen will be sadly missed by members of the Alpha Show Society and the community.
REMEMBER: ALL HORSE COMPETITORS INTO THE RING NOW ! THIS IS YOUR LAST & FINAL CALL !That's how competitors and show attendees will remember Eileen :)
Malcom Dyer: FEB 1, 1960 - March 23, 2020
​
Show culture was deeply ingrained in Dad - personally, as an exhibitor & also for the community, taking an active role in its operation. As a kid growing up, I came to learn that the annual show was approaching because Dad would become scarce for a couple of weeks. If I was lucky I might get to catch him before my bedtime. This was a time of the year that Dad loved. As the cattle steward, he & a couple of agents would travel from property to property mouthing & tagging cattle preparing them for the show. A big part of this job was making sure that no one was dehydrated at the end of the day.
​​
I remember the time that went into Dad’s preparation of his own show cattle. Hours were spent bringing Dad’s bullocks into the pound a couple at a time. He would examine them closely & group them into the various categories. Cattle were Dad’s passion & without a doubt he was a gifted cattleman. He had an uncanny ability to remember cattle. He could look across a mob & then describe a certain cow that wasn’t present. “Do you know the one I’m talking about Nick?”, he would say to me. I would look at him blankly & nod my head left to right.
​​
In time of drought & hardship, Dad would often say that when his cattle were hurting, so was he. He genuinely cared for them. They were much more than just an asset to him. Over the years Dad held a couple of positions in the Show Society. He took over as the cattle steward from Alan Dyer & held the position for many years. Following this, in 2007 he became President of the Alpha Show Society. He held this position for 3 years before being awarded life membership for his many years of dedication & contribution.
​
As testament to the quality of his cattle, Dad enjoyed a number of wins over the years at the Alpha Show, namely Grand Champion of the show on a couple of occasions. He also enjoyed celebrating his wins. This would often begin by cashing a cheque at the show bar before a long night of catching up with friends from the surrounding areas. It was truly a time that Dad loved as it was an opportunity for him to show his cattle, support his community and catch up with friends.
​​
Malcolm was a very valued member of the Alpha Show Society & is sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family & friends.
Karen Halls: 26th March 1954 - 29th June 2020
For many years Karen supported the Alpha Show Society, her exhibits in the Pavilion were always outstanding.Karen was an incredibly talented lady; she had many wonderful skills in the craft area. There was always a beautiful display of her sewing, knitting, crocheting, patchwork & fancywork exhibits at the show. Karen could turn her hand to any craft, either old or new.
Eventually, Karen became a steward in the Sewing, Knitting & Crocheting Section at the Alpha Show. This volunteer position she continued for many years, with great care and pride, whilst also continuing to exhibit her own handicrafts. Karen was always on hand to help set up the pavilion before the show and give helpful advice to new or old exhibitors. Her help was always greatly appreciated.
Karen’s next move in the Show Society was Chief Steward in the Poultry and Bird Section. Karen knew her chooks and birds. She took early nominations so she could prepare the pens ready for the poultry and birds. She was always there on Show Day when they arrived bright and early, before the gates were open, so she could be ready for judging. During these years Karen continued to steward on the Monday and Tuesday in the Main Pavilion and then on Wednesday you would find her in the Poultry and Bird Pavilion.
Her family, Darren, Sharon, Zoey and Michelle became her support and helped with the stewarding. Karen's son, Darren volunteered and made new poultry pens for the pavilion, which was greatly appreciated as the old pens were so heavy to move around. Karen and her family continued to run the Poultry Shed for many years, with it being only recently that a new Steward has become involved.
In 2015 Karen received Life Membership of the Alpha Show Society. She was presented with her membership badge by the Honourable Paul De Jersey, Governor of Queensland during the opening of the show. Karen was a very worthy recipient for this award and proud and honoured to have received it.
Karen continued to exhibit her beautifully crafted items in the show, steward in both pavilions until her health prevented her from continuing. Karen was a friend to all, a volunteer for the Alpha Show and many other organisations for many years. Nothing was too much for her.
Karen will be sadly missed by the members of the Alpha Show Society and all those that knew her. Her kindness to others, her ability to always give a helping hand and be there for her family and friends. The members of the Alpha Show Society pass on our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Vic Goodwin: 11th September 1930 - 14th October 2020
Mr Vic Goodwin of Narounyah, Alpha was one of the very first exhibitors to enter prime cattle in the Alpha Show in 1965. He was also a steward in the cattle section, helping out with drafting and mouthing and at the cattle yards for many years. His son Ian became Chief Cattle Steward many years later. Vic never missed exhibiting his cattle and over the years his bullocks and other exhibits won many a champion and supreme champion ribbon.
Vic as everyone called him, was always ready for a yarn no matter where you met him. He was also full of local knowledge and probably knew more about the local show than I do ! Vic's primary interest and passion at the show was the Prime Cattle Section, he also enjoyed the Working Dogs and often sponsored them.
ic was awarded life membership of the show in 2013. Not because he was a member from the beginning, but due to him never missing exhibiting his cattle at the show. In 2016 Vic became Patron of the Alpha Show, which he held for only one year, as he did not enjoy being in the limelight or having to give speeches and present ribbons. Vic just enjoyed being at the cattle yards the most, probably talking about the drought or the rain, so much so the Secretary had trouble even getting him to the main arena for the show opening!
During his later years, Vic and his family continued to support the show and the cattle section, exhibiting store cattle as well and being very successful.
As a life member, a patron and a huge supporter of the Alpha Show, Vic will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Whether it be at the cattle yards, in the street or at the show (after the sale). The Alpha Show Society offer Vic's family and friends our sincerest condolences.
A man who never tried to be great or grand, but tried to be a helping hand, and if he went the extra mile he did it with pleasure as it was all worthwhile. QUOTE FROM READING AT VIC's MEMORIAL
Lorraine Dyer: 22 July 1942 - 17th August 2025
​
The Alpha Show Society is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Lorraine Dyer, formerly of Cressbank, Alpha, and a valued Life Member of our Society. Lorraine’s contribution to the Alpha Show spanned decades, particularly through her dedicated service as Chief Steward of the Show Pavilion throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Under her guidance, the Pavilion became a true showcase of local talent and community spirit. Lorraine herself was a talented exhibitor, sharing with us her exquisite embroidery and needlework, her much-admired cooking, and the roses she so lovingly grew in her garden. Beyond her official duties, Lorraine was a wonderful companion whose warmth and humour enriched all who spent time with her.
She and fellow Life Member Delma Winten enjoyed many overseas adventures together in the early 2000s. Delma recalls with fondness their years working side by side in the Pavilion, while their husbands – Ainsley, Alan, and Jack Pyne – manned the bar. Meanwhile, the children happily dashed between both sides of the grounds, collecting “extra” pocket money, unbeknownst to each parent just how much had been shared. Lorraine’s dedication, talent, and good company will long be remembered within the Alpha Show Society. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Lorraine’s children and extended family at this time.