Official Opening of the 112th Nanango Show

Member for Nanango; Mayor, Cr Otto; President of the Nanango Show Society, Mr Les Schloss; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to attend the 112^th Nanango Show in its 120^th year, particularly after the disappointment of last year. Indeed, owing to COVID-19 disruptions, this is the first Show I have attended since I opened the Kenilworth Show back in September 2019.

There is something wonderfully special about annual Shows.

I had the good fortune to be raised in regional areas of Queensland for the first twelve years of my life – including just up the road at Coolabunia! –

and I well remember as a child the anticipation leading up to the Show, and the excitement of the day. In many ways it was the highlight of the year.

Indeed, I was a toddler in Coolubunia where my father was the school teacher.

You will be surprised to discover my childhood was actually quite a number of years ago now!

But I am sure the sounds and the aromas and the buzz in the air of country shows will come rushing back to me today. Many of the traditional displays are just as I remember them as a child. I would like to give a special ‘congratulations’ to all the school children who have entered exhibits.

May I also offer heartfelt congratulations to those children with produce or animals on display. I encourage you to keep up your interest as you grow older.

You are the future of Queensland agriculture, one of the great drivers of the Queensland economy, and it is to you that we will turn as the Nanango Show enters its next 120 years.

Since its start 120 years ago in 1901, the Nanango Show has given joy to generations of local children and families.

This year the Show’s theme – “Celebrating Our History” – highlights the fact that as Queensland’s fourth oldest town, Nanango has a lot of history to celebrate!

The township was named after Nanango sheep station, and much of the town’s rich agricultural history can be seen on display throughout the show.

Nanango’s long connection with dairying can be seen in the award-winning cattle, and the town’s historical connection to timber, farming and mining are evident in the pavilions and events.

My predecessor Sir John Lavarack, the first Australian-born Governor of Queensland, had the honour of opening the Nanango Show during Nanango’s centenary in 1950. I echo him when I say how impressed I am with the quality and breadth of the region’s offerings on display.

I congratulate the Nanango Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Society, its sponsors, and of course all the marvellous volunteers – including those to whom I will shortly present certificates – who have made today’s Show the wonderful event that it is.

I further thank and applaud all showgoers for their enthusiastic attendance here today.

You are all testament to the powerful sense of community here in Nanango, which makes your town and region so attractive to visitors and residents alike.

It now gives me great pleasure to declare officially open the 112^th Nanango Show!

May I add, finally, as Governor of Queensland, how saddened we are to learn of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. You will have noticed the Flags above the main arena of the Nanango Show flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Prince Philip earned the enduring admiration of Queenslanders for his integrity, kindness and humour, and for his loyalty as long-standing consort to Her Majesty.

The Duke was the most frequent Royal visitor to Queensland, accompanying The Queen on eight tours and visiting independently on four occasions. 

Prince Philip was also much admired for the vital interest he took in people.

His life was a model of selfless devotion to duty and service, a shining example to all of us.

The thoughts of all Queenslanders at this time are very much with Her Majesty The Queen, our Head of State, and other members of the Royal Family.

Thank you.