Rockhampton Show operators ready to entertain crowds

Ride operators at the Rockhampton Agricultural Show will work their hardest to “put smiles on the faces” of thousands a week after the death of a toddler in their show family rocked the community.

A week on from a tragic incident which claimed the life of three-year-old Toby Allen, amusement operators are getting ready to put smiles on the faces of thousands as a thank you for the community support.

It’s been a heartbreaking week for amusement operators in the lead up this year’s Rockhampton Agricultural Show, but they’re determined to put smiles on the thousands of faces that will walk through the gates.

Set up for the 2024 Rockhampton Agricultural Show was stalled late last week as investigations began into an incident which claimed the life of three-year-old Toby Allen.

On Tuesday, June 4, emergency crews were called to the Rockhampton Showgrounds after a boy was hit by a car and sustained critical injuries.

The death is being investigated by Workplace Health and Safety with assistance from the Forensic Crash Unit.

It did not occur within the public access area of the showgrounds, with the program and layout of the show itself remaining as planned.

Tributes for three-year-old Toby Allen continue to grow at the Rockhampton Showgrounds a week after he was tragically killed after being hit by a car.

Last Thursday afternoon a small memorial began to form with colourful dinosaurs, little toy cars and flowers being left in tribute to Toby.

A week later, the memorial site is adorned with toys, teddies and flowers.

Showmen’s Guild of Australasia president Aaron Pink said the incident had been “devastating” to both Toby’s family and the greater show family.

“To have something like that happen to such a young family is devastating, no one likes to see any incidents like that,” he said.

“Large families like ours do plenty to support one another, it’s an unfortunate situation and we have to pull together to support the ones involved.”

The news shocked the Rockhampton community, with locals wrapping their arms around Toby Allen’s family and the operators at the show.

“To have the local support is great, we’re a big family and have a large group of people with us,” Mr Pink said.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of three-year-old Toby Allen who tragically died after being hit by a car at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on Tuesday.

“To have the local support is extra special and makes Rocky a town we appreciate, we love attending these places.

“Our motto is to put smiles on peoples faces and we certainly hope to do that this week.

“It’s a sad time for everybody involved and the support keeps coming, hopefully we can make it an extra special show.”

Thousands of people are expected to walk through the gates of the Rockhampton Agricultural Show when it begins in Wednesday before wrapping up on Friday afternoon.

The Showmen’s Guild of Australasia have up to 400 amusement operators working at the showgrounds to bring joy to those attending.

Showmen’s Guild of Australasia Vice President Gary Johnson said while the recent tragedy was weighing heavily on the hearts of those involved the event, it was extremely important for the Guild to continue to deliver the Show for the community.

Thousands packed through the gates for people's day at the 150th Rockhampton Agricultural Show.

“The Show is a place that brings much joy and excitement to the community, so everyone has been working closely together, albeit with a heavy heart, to honour this tradition,” he said.

“The Guild is ready to bring back the community’s beloved rides, sideshow alley and the traditional carnival food to the community as well as the addition of four brand new rides that have never been seen at the Rocky Show before.”

Once the Rockhampton Agricultural Show wraps up on Friday the Showmen’s Guild of Australasia amusement operators will head north for the Finch Hatton show.

Rockhampton Agricultural Show is on begins on Wednesday, June 14 and runs until Friday, June 16 with gates open between 9am and 10.30pm daily.

The People’s Day public holiday will be on Thursday June 15.