Official Opening of the Springsure Pastoral and Agricultural Show

I too acknowledge all our elected representatives, our Queensland Shows and Springsure Show Society representatives, and all of you, the wonderful show-goers. It is a great pleasure for Kaye and me to be with you here today in Springsure, on such an historic day. 

You are rightly proud, as am I as your Governor, that we celebrate today the 150^th anniversary of the Springsure Pastoral and Agricultural Show.

Allowing for droughts and the incursion of world wars (for which Western Queensland patriotically lent a disproportionately large commitment of troops), that the annual Show has run for so long, bears wonderful testimony to the people of this region – to their high achievement, and genuine and enduring recognition of the importance of community values.

This was evident to me a couple of weeks ago at Alpha’s 50^th Show, not only through the enthusiastic participation of the people of Alpha, but also through the support of that vibrant and successful Show from the people of Springsure. I know Mayor Rob Chandler was especially grateful for that.

These shows provide an annual barometer of the region. While it is sad to see some constriction because of the drought and tight economic conditions, that the shows nevertheless vibrantly continue speaks to the resilient determination of you wonderful country Queenslanders; it speaks to the esteem of the regional communities which I believe really do in large measure go to define the ethos of our diverse State; and of course it speaks to the dedicated work of the show societies.

The show circuit gives Kaye and me a great opportunity to acknowledge our regional communities, and to meet many of our fellow Queenslanders. You have our very best wishes.

We have been most impressed, today, by the cattle which are looking so well, by the comprehensive high standard exhibits, and beyond even those things, by the very warm welcome offered by the people of Springsure, for which we whole-heartedly thank you.

It is particularly fitting that at this 150^th anniversary Show the Governor’s personal Standard should be flying proudly over the arena. That means the Governor is in town – and I can tell you, he is extremely proud and honoured to be here.

(Somewhat audaciously, and perhaps portentously given Wednesday night’s outcome, the wonderful people of remote Masig Island in the Torres Strait flew a maroon flag in lieu of the Standard when Kaye and I visited their community last week.)

And so it is that with great pleasure I now declare officially open the 150^th Springsure Pastoral and Agricultural Show!