Nine-year-old Olivia Hand has emerged as a shining star at the Mackay Show, taking out the Patron’s Champion of the Show award for her impressive entries across multiple Pavilion categories.
From tie-dye and photography to cupcakes and Lego, Olivia’s diverse submissions captured the attention of judges and organisers alike. The young talent placed in almost every section she entered, earning firsts for her decorated box, melted bead art, and Lego creation, demonstrating a flair for creativity well beyond her years.
“She excelled in pretty much most things she entered,” said Olivia’s mum, Tegan Hand.
“She’s always been a creative kid, either drawing, doing crafts, art classes, or taking photos.
“She’s just always loved it.”
Olivia submitted entries in four Pavilion categories, across Arts & Crafts, Home Economics, Photography, and Artwork, meeting the key requirement for the Patron’s Award, which is presented each year to encourage young people to get involved and keep creativity alive.
“She entered in four or more sections, which is part of the criteria for the award,” Tegan said.
Creativity certainly runs in the family. Tegan herself won first place for one of three photography entries this year, while Olivia’s older brother Thomas entered several categories and performed strongly.
While Thomas had a strong showing, this year’s Patron’s Champion was awarded to Olivia individually.
Mr Robert Denman, Patron of the Mackay Show Association, awarded Olivia $500 and a trophy. A retired cane and cattle farmer, Mr Denman is 87 years old and has been involved with the Mackay Show for 72 years. His family farm is the oldest family-held property in Mackay and has been connected to the Denman family for more than 150 years.
Mr Denman donates the award each year as a way of encouraging local children to participate in their regional show and celebrate the spirit of the Pavilion.
While Olivia’s older brother Thomas also entered and did well, this year’s Patron’s Champion was awarded to Olivia as an individual.
“They wanted to award it to the whole family, but in the end, Olivia received it, and so now she’s sharing the prize with her brother,” Tegan said.
The win came as a welcome surprise.
“She was definitely excited and proud… she did really well,” her mum said.
Whether it’s snapping a sunset on her mum’s phone or building something imaginative from scratch, Olivia’s passion for creativity is clear, and her family couldn’t be prouder.
“She’s always grabbing my phone and saying, ‘Mum, the outside looks nice,’ and taking photos,” Tegan said.
With a legacy of community spirit behind her and talent in abundance, Olivia’s future looks bright, and beautifully imaginative.
Nine-year-old Olivia Hand was named Patron’s Champion at the Mackay Show for her outstanding creativity across multiple Pavilion categories, receiving a $500 award from longtime Mackay Show patron Robert Denman. Photo supplied
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