Opening of the 2019 Royal Queensland Show

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Turrbal People, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome.

It is a pleasure for Linda and me to be here for the 142nd Royal Queensland Show — our first Ekka.

I congratulate the RNA for developing a program of activities that both recognise and support farming families and communities.

Since becoming Governor-General in July, Linda and I have travelled to rural communities in Queensland and met with people whose lives have been turned upside down because of drought and flood.

I know these tragic events have dealt a blow, but I can’t help but admire the resilience and capacity of Queensland communities to come together in times of crisis.

A fine example of this spirit of support is that, for the first time in 11 years, the RNA has put a freeze on ticket prices. This initiative allows families who perhaps otherwise would not have been able to attend the show to be part of the Ekka. No wonder this show is colloquially known as the ‘people’s show’.

EkkaNITES will feature a tribute to farmers; indeed, the theme of the Fireworks Spectacular is a ‘celebration of the human spirit’, recognising the resilience of our primary producers.

Exhibitors at the Royal Queensland Show continue to produce high-quality produce year in, year out, despite the impacts of drought and flood.

And, in another first, there will be 50 purple recycling bins around the Ekka for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Monies raised from recycling will be reinvested into the RNA for, among other things, agricultural education.

As you can see, there is so much that is good about Australian and especially Queensland society that is on show here.

Linda and I were reminiscing last night about the shows we attended while growing up in New South Wales.

As a young boy, our family used to catch the train from Wollongong, south of Sydney, to attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show. In my mind’s eye I can still see that excited little boy on the train.

Sideshow alley, dagwood dogs, showbags, woodchopping, exhibits and animals — not to mention the crowds — all part of a royal agricultural show experience.

This year’s Ekka promises to create similar memories for many people — 400,000 people are expected through the gates, about 21,000 competition entries and 10,000 animals, and the best in entertainment, food and wine.

It will certainly be a show to remember for about 40 people, who will pledge their allegiance to our country on Tuesday and become Australian citizens. It is Multicultural Month here in Queensland, so what better way to celebrate diversity and welcome new people to our country than a citizenship ceremony at the show — a first for the Ekka.

But the Ekka will also be memorable for another reason.

The Royal Queensland Show, and others like it, helps to strengthen communities.

For 10 days, the Ekka will become a meeting place and a connection for families and friends from the country and the city.

And, as all of us well know, it is the people (and the animals) who make the event what it is — the organisers and employees, the exhibitors, the agricultural community, the sponsors, the salt-of-the-earth volunteers (all 1,620 of them) and, of course, you … the patrons.

It is now my great pleasure to declare the 2019 Royal Queensland Show open.

[Ends]