Malanda Show Society Centenary of the Malanda Show

Thank you, Mr President. I too acknowledge the Member for Dalrymple; our Mayor, Councillor Paronella; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys. Good evening to you all.

I acknowledge, with my respect to their Elders, the Traditional Custodians of these lands, whose contributions inform historical and contemporary developments of our State.

I am delighted to see the Governor’s Standard flying proudly above the Malanda showgrounds this evening. That’s the signal that the Governor is in town, and also a measure of how proud Kaye and I are to be here. 

For several generations who have lived in North Queensland and further afield, Malanda is synonymous with high quality dairy products, especially milk.

That says a great deal about the importance of agriculture to this beautiful and bountiful part of Queensland.

And, of course, this annual Show is a wonderful celebration of the bounty of this region and the hard work of its local community in making best use of the region’s natural resources.    

In 1916, when the show was first staged, Malanda was very much a pioneer town.  

As the local names listed on the Eacham Memorial Gates in Malanda tell us, Australia was also involved in World War One at that time. 

Having laid a wreath earlier today at the Afghanistan Avenue of Honour, I take this opportunity to acknowledge with deep gratitude the sacrifice of all those from the area who have served their country in times of war. 

The Show’s centenary is being celebrated in great style.  

The Show Ball in June, with its centenary theme, was sold out.

The whole township has put its best foot forward for today’s Street Parade. And the exciting three-day show program has something of interest for all.

I look forward to crowning the 2016 Dairy Queen and to making a special presentation in a short while.  

For now, I thank and congratulate the Show Society’s Management Committee and members on this marvellous Centenary Show.

As it is the centenary, I thank all those whose hard work and dedication have ensured the success of the Malanda Show across the decades – past and present Committee and Society members, judges, stewards, other volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors and attendees.

The strength and longevity of the Malanda Show is, above all, a reflection of the strength, dedication and good will of the local community. I congratulate you all on reaching this absolutely marvellous centenary milestone.

It is now my absolute honour to declare officially open the 100^th Malanda Show! Thank you all.