Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Cr Donna Marbelli, Sharyn Steele, Rhonda Horton, David Horsley and Cr Kate Milton. Photo supplied: Cr Donna Marbelli
By Victoria Velton
For nine decades, the Ingham Kennel & Obedience Club has brought together generations of dog lovers, exhibitors and volunteers; a proud legacy celebrated at the club’s 90th Anniversary Weekend of Shows last weekend at the Ingham Showgrounds.
The club was founded on 21st May 1936 as the Herbert River Kennel Association, holding its first dog show on Saturday 25th July that year. Since then, the club has continued to support the advancement and promotion of purebred dogs under the guidance and affiliation of Dogs Queensland. The weekend was a celebration of the club’s history, and an opportunity to recognise the people who have helped shape it.
Three club life members, Sharyn Steele, Rhonda Horton and David Horsley, were recognised during the celebrations and honoured by cutting the club’s 90th Anniversary Cake.
Hinchinbrook Shire Councillors Donna Marbelli and Kate Milton also attended the milestone celebrations, with Cr Marbelli congratulating the volunteers, committee members, judges, sponsors, supporters and families who have contributed to the club over the years.
“Community clubs are such an important part of our Shire,” Cr Marbelli said.
"The Ingham Kennel & Obedience club brings people together through friendship, participation and the shared love of dogs."
As part of proceedings, a perpetual trophy once used for Best in Show was returned to the spotlight after being carefully restored by Kenny Fraser, son of former club patron Mary Fraser.
The 90th Anniversary Weekend also featured a 1930s, 1940s and 1950s fancy dress competition, while the club’s exhibitors competed across the weekend’s shows.
Club representatives thanked the many judges and ring stewards who travelled from New South Wales to participate, along with sponsors EAC Animal Care, Plush Puppy, CEN and Nana Chelle’s Glass Studio.
The club also recognised the contribution of its volunteers, including canteen volunteers and Rhonda Horton, described by the club as an “anchor” who has played an important role in keeping the club running.
From its beginnings in 1936 to its 90th anniversary in 2026, the Ingham Kennel & Obedience Club has built a proud history around their passions for dogs, a legacy celebrated throughout the Kennel Club community that anniversary weekend.
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