Official Opening of the 142nd Ipswich Annual Show

Thank you, Madam President, for your kind words of welcome.

Kaye and I are truly honoured to join you all at this wonderful event.

First and foremost, the Ipswich Annual Show provides a window into the vibrant and progressive communities of this region.

It showcases your very best – communities coming together to celebrate achievement in many fields. Particularly, it wonderfully exhibits the famed pastoral, agricultural, horticultural and industrial interests of the Ipswich and West Moreton Districts.

Secondly, this Show, now in its 142^nd year, reflects the rich contribution the pioneering and industrious people of Ipswich – from the Aboriginal custodians who roamed these land for thousands of years, to the early free settlers led by George Thorn in the mid nineteenth century, to today’s lively multicultural population – have made, and will no doubt continue to make, to the fabric of our State. 

There is another reason Kaye and I are proud to be here today.

This year we commemorate 100 years since the watershed landings at Gallipoli.

It is timely that we reflect upon the sacrifice and service of all service men and women, from the Boer War through to present conflict.

Ipswich is now proudly a garrison city. Today, on this significant family occasion, we particularly think of those personnel currently on deployment, and their families, from the nearby RAAF Base Amberley.

I thank the Amberley Brass Band and Cadet representatives here today for their exemplary ceremonial turnout and drill.

Kaye and I also thank the Show Society, volunteers, the farming and business sectors, and the community for supporting the Show.

These wonderful community celebrations, and I include the Mayor’s Christmas Carols which Kaye and I were delighted to attend last November, can only succeed through careful planning and determined efforts – we thank you all.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it gives me great pleasure to now declare open the 142^nd Ipswich Annual Show!