Official opening of the Ekka

Thank you, Justice Thomas, for your kind introduction. I am delighted to see so many Queenslanders here joining us today, older and younger, all smiling faces ushering in another 10 days of fun, entertainment and education.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respect to their Elders past and present – and with encouragement to their young emerging leaders.

I extend my special thanks to the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion and the Australian Army Band Brisbane for bringing the spirit of ANZAC to this arena in the centenary year of the end of World War I, with unsurprising distinction!

And to the Queensland Mounted Police Unit for providing such an impressive escort: the officers of our Queensland Police Service look after us daily so well.

It has been quite a year for Queensland since the last RNA Show, with the Gold Coast hosting our magnificent Commonwealth Games – the Games which did our State proud and left a marvellous legacy for local communities.

That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but today we celebrate a major event that does Queensland proud every year.

The approach of the Ekka always evokes anticipation and excitement.

Bowen Hills becomes a magnet for Queenslanders bringing their livestock and produce, often travelling long distances to compete or exhibit. 

I offer the warmest of welcomes to those from the city and those who have travelled from regional Queensland and who make such a vital contribution to the heart and soul of the Ekka – just as they make such a magnificent contribution to the character of Queensland. 

As is the case with all country shows, the Ekka is an occasion for the local community to come together, showcasing its agricultural prowess, its unique character, its talents and its achievements, in this case showcasing the best of Queensland produce to the urban South-East.

Attendance at agricultural Shows reminds Kaye and me, yet again, what an enormous privilege it is to occupy this Vice-Regal position, to meet and support so many wonderful Queenslanders during our regular travels throughout the State.

It is of course families in rural and regional parts of our State who put so much high-quality ‘clean and green’ food on our tables.

And we must keep these resilient, hard-working families in our thoughts because, despite some useful rains in parts of the State, well over half of Queensland – in fact, 57 per cent – remains drought-declared.

Many, very many, of our farmers and pastoralists are in really dire straits, and we should all join to help them – as many of you are, and I most sincerely thank you for that. Please do all that you can.

Now the approach of the Ekka is also the signal for many Queenslanders to make sure that their jams and preserves, bark painting, quilts, decorated cakes, agricultural displays and even scarecrows, meet the deadlines for competition judging.

This RNA Show is nothing less than a community celebration, not just for the South-East corner of the State, but for all of Queensland.

In the last few years, visitors to the Ekka will have noticed changes to the landscape of the showgrounds.

This is part of the RNA’s long-term strategy to ensure a secure future for the Show in a rapidly changing world, while maintaining the Show’s long-standing character.

So too are the changes and upgrades made to the attractions, facilities and services on offer, from sophisticated food and wine offerings to the entertainment program – leaving in place, of course, those traditional events so beloved by visitors, from the woodchop to the fireworks.

None of this happens by accident. It is the product of a year-round effort by the RNA Council, executive and staff, and the efforts of those who keep the Show running, from marshals, judges and marvellous volunteers, to the competitors, exhibitors and sponsors.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer the whole RNA ‘family’ our heartfelt thanks.

Since that first RNA Show in 1876, successive Governors of Queensland have maintained a close association with the Ekka.

I am honoured to be the 26th Governor of the State to maintain that admirable tradition.

In that spirit, it is now, with the greatest of pride and pleasure, that I declare the 2018 Royal National Association Show officially open.

Thank you.