She remembers as a child that the Royal Melbourne Show – as it was known before a 2022 rebrand – had fewer rides and they were more basic. But there were more old-fashioned attractions such as sideshow alley games, Jimmy Sharman’s boxing tent and country music performances, she said.
Marjorie travelled and later worked with her parents at shows across Victoria and New South Wales.
Marjorie Chant with great-grandchildren Cherry Chant, 20 months, and Frankie Chant, 7.Credit: Joe Armao
At age 18, she married Les Chant, who was also from a show family and performed a “wall of death” motorcycle act.
Les, 86, is retired, and their son Chippa – as in “chip off the old block” because his name is also Les, as was his grandfather’s – will co-ordinate the 10 Chant family members working at the 2024 show.
Marjorie, however, is quick to point out she’s “still his Mum”. Her grandson, Lane Chant, will also compete in the woodchopping.
The family’s rides include the big ferris wheel, dodgem cars, a roller coaster, the Rock’n’Roll and the Rockstar.
Chippa Chant and his sister Belinda Chant working on sideshows in the 1990s.
Marjorie said she was proud of Chippa, who started as a 17-year-old with his own tent sideshow game. He steered the business through the difficult COVID-19 pandemic.
At the 2022 Melbourne Royal Show, Shylah Rodden, 26, was struck and seriously injured by a rollercoaster owned by the Chant family.
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Worksafe cleared the operator of any wrongdoing and said it would not be taking action against them.
Witnesses said Rodden had been trying to retrieve her mobile phone when she was hit.
As owner of Chant Amusements, Chippa said: “The 2022 incident was a rare and tragic accident, and our thoughts are with all of those affected.
“The Rebel Coaster ride has always complied with relevant ride safety regulations and the outcome of WorkSafe’s enquiry into the incident confirms our confidence in our safety procedures and policies for this year’s show.”
More than 450,000 people are expected to visit the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show. It opened on Thursday and runs until October 6.
For more information go to royalshow.com.au
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Source Agencies
