Reception in support of the 2024 Royal Queensland Show

Representing the Premier, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, the Honourable Mark Furner MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor of Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; Member for Gympie, Mr Tony Perrett MP; RNA President, the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas; RNA CEO, Mr Brendan Christou; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, as we honour an event that each year delivers joy and fascination to so many—the Royal Queensland Show—or as we affectionately call it, The Ekka!

Over 9 days, the many thousands of visitors who flock through the gates of the Brisbane Showgrounds, are treated to a dizzying array of displays, activities, competitions, and performances that showcase Queensland’s incredible, diverse capabilities.

People who may never have stepped foot on a farm, have the opportunity to learn more about where our fresh food comes from, and the expertise and knowledge required to produce it.

In 1933, the Courier Mail referred to the Ekka as “Queensland in Miniature”—a time when the state comes together in one location, bringing the country to the city.

The Ekka is a place of discovery and wonder.  It represents a unique fusion of tradition and innovation.

As visitors line up for their strawberry sundaes and showbags, watch the woodchoppers in action, or admire the displays of our finest fruit and vegetables, they are following in the footsteps of those who have come before.

Yet alongside the many much-loved traditions, the Ekka always surprises, presenting the original and unexpected, to demonstrate how our state continues to forge new paths in our approach to agriculture, industry and technology.

In 1933, my predecessor, Sir Leslie Wilson, made history, when at the Ekka opening that year, he unfurled the flag with only the wave of his hand—the first time in Australia that “photo-cell” technology had been used to trigger an electric relay and impulse. It must have seemed like pure magic to the onlookers.

Throughout its history, the Ekka has brought many extraordinary initiatives—from the stump jumping plough, open turbine windmill, and animal nursery, to the opportunity for visitors to customise their own fireworks on a free iPhone app, or see drones in action. 

Yet, amongst the curiosities, the Ekka will always shine a light on the advances in agricultural and husbandry practises that underpin the outstanding achievements and determination of our agricultural sectors, and highlight how vital our state’s regions are to all of us.

Ekka 2024 continues this “tradition of innovation”—an apt way of encapsulating how this celebration remains wonderfully familiar, and always intriguing.

As Governor and Patron of the RNA, I congratulate the hardworking RNA Executive, Councillors, staff, volunteers, generous sponsors, and everyone involved, for their enthusiasm and passion.

And, of course, I thank all of the incredible exhibitors, who have travelled far to be here, and make us so proud.

On behalf of Queenslanders and “ag” show-lovers across the state, I wish you a very successful Ekka.