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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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  4. 2019 Annual ‘Ekka’ Scarecrow Competition
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2019 Annual ‘Ekka’ Scarecrow Competition

Thank you, Mr Munro. I am so happy to join you today, both to celebrate the great works of creativity before us and, of course, to announce the winners of the 2019 Ekka Scarecrow Competition.   

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane, and pay my respects to Elders and emerging leaders.

As you would imagine, this competition is one I am taking very seriously.

After all, the winning entrant will be keeping me company at Government House, so I am keen to make its acquaintance!

What I love about this contest is the opportunity it offers for your imaginations to run a little wild.

Our lives are so focused these days on technology and the advantages it offers us.

It is probably impossible for your generation to imagine your lives or education without having the world at your fingertips.

But events like the Ekka remind us of different ways of living.

When we connect with fresh produce, when we meet farmers and their animals, we remember that, beyond our screens, is still a very real and remarkable world.

This competition is another reminder of that.

Students are to be congratulated for working together, side by side, to build something extraordinary, while learning about agricultural practices around the globe.

It’s not just about learning or competing for your school – I also hope this process has been fun for you all!

Looking around I see so many fantastic creations I am sure the judges have had a very tough time choosing the winners.

Perhaps next year we should invite some crows in to see which one they find most terrifying - now that would be interesting!

Once again, congratulations to all the schools and students who have competed in this year’s event. I thank the RNA, represented by President, Justice Thomas and Mrs Thomas, and Brunnings for their support of this gem of an initiative. I very much look forward to now presenting ribbons to this year’s winners and place getters and to shortly welcoming the winning scarecrow to Government House. Thank you.