Opening of the 100th Gatton Show

Our Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan; distinguished guests; enthusiastic show-goers, especially the girls and boys! Kaye and I are delighted to be in the Lockyer Valley today to join you in celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the first Gatton Show. But a week ago, on 8^th July, I was privileged to open the centenary show at Malanda in our Far North: the breadth of achievement in our great State is breathtaking!

I currently have the honour of being Administrator of the Commonwealth, stepping into the role in the temporary absence of the Governor-General. So, today, it is the Commonwealth Standard that is flying proudly over the main arena, emphasising just how proud I am to be here.  

Now I know there are many cultures represented here in the Lockyer Valley. There was a German prominence in my childhood, for example, and with our nation’s current and beneficial multi-cultural complexion, many more cultures are evident here, including the French.

On behalf of all of us, I express today profound condolences to the people of France for the outrage committed in Nice upon the particular victims, and also, upon that great nation, with whom the people of Australia stand in utter solidarity against all forms of terrorism.

You will be reassured to know that our Governor-General is safely returning to Australia, indeed from France. Kaye and I leave tomorrow for the important centenary commemorations at Fromelles and Pozieres, where we will be privileged and proud to represent all of the people of Queensland: our forebears conspicuously discharged their duty in the Great War, in the Somme, and in many other theatres of war.

And so I am here with you today in a dual role: primarily, though, as your Governor.

I am pleased to follow in the footsteps of Governors of Queensland who have opened this Show in the past – at least as far back as the 1920s.  But, in 1935, even a Governor of Victoria opened the show. 

The reputation of the Lockyer Valley for agricultural prowess and friendly people had spread far beyond Queensland even then!

Apropos Wednesday night, I am not sure a Governor of New South Wales has performed those honours: if not so, “oversight”, because we Queenslanders are big-hearted, generous people! Though having said that, and who cares about “parochialism”, I do think the Governor of Queensland should open the Gatton Show!

In a region justly famed for its fertile soil and hard-working people, the annual show is doubly important.

This Show, our Show, is a place to highlight the region’s marvellous agricultural riches.  And it is a well-earned opportunity for the local communities – which are now a byword in Australia for strength and resilience in adversity – to indulge in some friendly competition and good, old-fashioned fun.  

Sadly, one larger-than-life mainstay is missing from today’s celebration. We continue to remember Steve Jones with gratitude, admiration and affection, and I know Ann is here with us today.

The Gatton Show Society has excelled itself in ensuring that this 100^th anniversary event is celebrated in fitting style. 

The packed show program has something to offer for people of all ages and interests, from junior cookery to floral art, from produce to livestock and, of course, tonight’s exciting schedule of entertainment.    

I thank and congratulate the Show Society Executive and Members, the stewards, judges, other volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for their commitment and hard work in making the 2016 Show possible, and bringing it to life.

I thank the many sponsors who generously support the Show.

It is with gratitude to the many who have faithfully served in the Gatton Show over the past century, and with the greatest of pleasure, that I congratulate our greatly admired Lockyer Valley community on this wonderful centenary milestone, and that I now officially open the 2016 Gatton Show: the Centenary Show!

Thank you.