Agricultural
7 April, 2022
Oakey Show organisers win state awards
President of the Oakey Show Society Judy Byers and former president Denis Janetzki were recognised for their contributions to the local community at the Queensland Show Awards.
Mr Janetzki won the Outstanding Individual Contribution category, with Ms Byers as runner-up.
They were announced as winners at the awards night in Cairns, but collected their award and were photographed at the Royal Toowoomba Show.
Ms Byers has been involved with the Oakey Agricultural, Pastoral and Rodeo Society Inc. for over thirty years.
Her roles have spanned from exhibitor to sponsor to volunteer to now executive.
She is the current president and has established many new initiatives.
This includes her proposal for a team penning weekend ten years ago, which now attracts up to 125 teams.
Ms Byers has also helped introduce the junior stewards initiative and has overseen the replacement of several key pieces of infrastructure including a new pavilion, cattle shed and extension of the cattle yards.
Former president and winner of the category Denis Janetzki has been a member of the Oakey show since 1972.
Mr Janetzki became president of the Oakey Show in 2003.
Coming into office when the Society was struggling with debt, he instigated the annual Beef Classic to alleviate financial worries.
His legacy also includes launching the show as a major player in rodeos and he supported the introduction of team penning into the program.
