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Our Story
A Tradition of Community Since 1871
The Rheola Charity Carnival is one of Victoria's longest-running community events, bringing people together every Easter Monday since 24 May 1871. What began as a fundraising sports day to support the Inglewood Hospital has grown into a much-loved country carnival that continues to celebrate community spirit while raising vital funds for local organisations. Organised entirely by a dedicated committee of volunteers, the carnival has remained true to its original purpose for more than 150 years. While the attractions have evolved over time, the heart of the event has never changed- providing a fun-filled day of real country entertainment while supporting the local community. Throughout its history, the carnival has raised funds for the Inglewood & District Health Service, Maryborough District Health Service – Dunolly Campus, the Rheola Public Hall, and the Rheola Recreation Reserve. From running races and wood chopping to sheep dog trials, vintage tractor pulls, family entertainment, bazaar stall and live music, the Rheola Charity Carnival continues to offer something for everyone. Held every year except during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, the carnival proudly carries on a tradition that has connected generations of volunteers, competitors, sponsors and visitors for more than 150 years.
Our Journey
The Early Years (1871–1919)
1889 – Supporting More Communities
The Dunolly Hospital became a beneficiary of the carnival, expanding its charitable impact.
1871 – The Beginning
The first Rheola Charity Carnival was held on 24 May 1871 to raise funds for the Inglewood Hospital.
A new racecourse was built at the recreation reserve, reflecting the carnival's growing popularity.
1918 – Permanent Carnival Facilities
New buildings for the luncheon booth and fruit and lolly stalls were constructed.
1917 – A Growing Event
1908 – A New Home
The carnival moved to its permanent home at the Rheola Recreation Reserve.
1916 – Building the Community
Funds raised by the carnival helped support the construction of the Rheola Public Hall.
Growing the Tradition (1920–1969)
The 50th Anniversary was celebrated with a Back to Rheola gathering and the famous We Meet Again painting.
1920 – Celebrating 50 Years
1934 – Embracing New Technology
Loudspeakers and wireless broadcasting were used for the first time.
1938 – Supporting the Recreation Reserve
The Rheola Recreation Reserve became an official carnival beneficiary.
1942–1943 – Wartime Pause
The daytime carnival was suspended during World War II, although evening fundraising balls continued.
1951 – Birth of the Rheola Gift
Clay target shooting was introduced to the carnival program.
1955 – A New Attraction
The carnival's premier running race was officially renamed the Rheola Gift.
The inaugural Miss Rheola competition was held.
1964 – Miss Rheola Begins
1966 – A Modern Carnival
Electricity was connected to the carnival booths, improving facilities for volunteers and visitors.
A Modern Country Carnival (1970–1999)
1970 – 100 Years of Tradition
The 100th Rheola Charity Carnival was celebrated with a Back to Rheola reunion.
The Inglewood Pony Club became part of the carnival program.
1977 – Pony Club Events Added
1990 – Vintage Tractor Pull Introduced
One of today's most popular attractions made its debut.
1993 – The End of Horse Racing
Horse racing concluded after being part of the carnival for more than a century.
1996 – A New Era
Yard Dog Trials were introduced, while the traditional evening entertainment came to an end.
1999 – Celebrating Country Tradition
The carnival proudly promoted "129 Years of Country Tradition."
Into the New Millennium (2000–Today)
2002 – Award-Winning Event
The carnival won the Powercor Loddon Shire Best Event Award.
2004 – Honouring Ken Sutton
The Ken Sutton Memorial Championship was added to the wood chopping program.
2009 – A New Identity
The carnival adopted the slogan "Real Country Entertainment Since 1871."
With Easter Monday falling on ANZAC Day, the carnival began at 1:00 pm following commemorative services.
2011 – ANZAC Day Carnival
2017 – End of Clay Target Shooting
The final clay target shooting competition was held.
2020–2022 – The COVID Years
The carnival was cancelled for three consecutive years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023 – Celebrating 150 Years
The community came together to celebrate the 150th Rheola Charity Carnival.
2026 – Event of the Year
The Rheola Charity Carnival was named Loddon Shire Australia Day Event of the Year.
The 154th Rheola Charity Carnival will be held on Easter Monday 29 March 2027.