Melbourne Royal community acknowledgements
06 Jul 2026 / Melbourne Royal News, Melbourne Royal Community
Pictured: Reg Cleland OAM courtesy of The Regional News
The Melbourne Royal Board, management and staff were saddened to learn of the passing of Reg Cleland OAM.
Reg was a great supporter of the Melbourne Royal Horses in Action Competition and highly regarding amongst the Melbourne Royal equestrian community. Earlier this year we were thrilled to acknowledge Reg receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours for his service to equestrian sport. Our heartfelt condolences to Reg's family and friends.
The late Marion McKinnon was posthumously awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours for her dedicated service to community history. Marion was a devoted historian of the Garryowen Equestrian Turnout and penned two Garryowen volumes.
Marion's legacy continues at the Melbourne Royal Show through the Garryowen McKinnon Medal, awarded to the highest-placed exhibitor over 45 years in the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout.
Pictured: Marion (left) with 2009 Garryowen winner, Lynda Hayes (right). Courtesy of 'Equestrian Memories Australia' Facebook Group.