Allora community bestows Olympian Matt Denny with mural of honour

A rural southwest Queensland town has proudly honoured their homegrown athletics star ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. See their heartfelt tribute here.

Matthew Denny, discus thrower, has been honoured with a large mural in his home town of Allora in Queensland’s Southern Downs region. Photo: Annette Dew.

The proud community of Allora in the Southern Downs has paid tribute to their homegrown Olympic hero right outside the best spot in town.

Olympian and national discus record breaker Matt Denny is now on full display, freshly painted by interstate artists Apparition Media two storeys high outside Allora’s Railway Hotel.

Painted alongside the national champion is a heartfelt message from the community ‘you’ve already made us proud, Matt’.

Matt Denny's mural proudly on display outside of Allora's Railway Hotel. Photo: Tanya Verri

Mr Denny said it was an incredible initiative to be taking place in his home town.

“I’m super proud to be from Allora and the fact it’s being placed in town where I have some many great memories make me proud of what I have achieved so far in my career,” he said.

“My preparations have been very positive, and we are very happy with the training camp we just completed.

“I’m keen to get back to Europe to finish off the last touches for Paris.”

Railway Hotel publican Robyn Miles said the response from the community and hotel patrons has been quite positive.

“There’s definitely excitement in the community and I’m sure everyone will be watching when the games are on,” she said.

“I hope it will be inspiring (to younger generations) Matt went to Allora school and now he’s in the Olympics.”

TOP JOB: Robyn Miles is the cheerful owner/manager of Allora's beloved Railway Hotel.

A Qantas spokesman said the mural was an initiative by the major Olympic and Paralympic sponsor to build community spirit and celebrate our Olympic athletes.

“They’re already heroes in their home towns, so it’s only fitting they be depicted larger than life in their local community as they prepare to compete on the world stage,” the spokesman said.

Mr Denny is still a frequent flyer to his hometown with his most recent sighting only a few weekends ago.

Originally published as Allora community bestows Olympian Matt Denny with mural of honour