2024 Royal Queensland Show Flower and Garden Education Competition Awards Presentation

President of the RNA, the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas; RNA Councillor and Chair of the Flower and Garden Committee, Mrs Robin McLay; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

My husband, Graeme, and I are delighted to join you today on this special occasion when the winners of the various categories of the Flower and Garden Competition will be announced. How very exciting for all of us.

Having just toured the Agricultural Hall, we were amazed at the incredible entries we saw. You really are very creative and very capable. From Hairy Ekkapillas to Insect Hotels, to Mini Farms and ‘Jolly Swagman’ Scarecrows – there is so much to admire.

While we celebrate the winners today, we also know that these competitions are all about learning. You have begun your learning journey and will continue it for the rest of your lives, for education is a lifelong pursuit that will bring you an understanding of the world around you and your part in it. Learning is also a joyous endeavour.

Queenslanders come from far and wide to see what the Ekka has to offer, to enjoy the fun and excitement of the rides and stalls, but first and foremost the Ekka is an agricultural show, and here today, you have shown us that it is still so important to understand the contributions of our farmers to our state and our country.

Now you know, perhaps more than you did before, about the hard work and effort that they put in on a daily basis and on a much grander scale to bring their crops to market.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I take great pride in the many and varied events that form part of our beloved Ekka.  

I would like to thank the RNA and corporate partner Brunnings Garden Products for supporting this wonderful Flower and Garden Education Competition. And of course, none of this is possible without the families, teachers and students who have given their time and effort to participate in this event. Thank you and congratulations to you all.

So now let’s turn our attention to the moment we’ve all been waiting for: awarding our winners with their certificates and ribbons!