Monday 5 August 2024

Representing the Premier, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; Executive Councillors; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tony Perrett MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Vicki Howard; RNA President, the Honourable David Thomas; Senior Vice-President, Mr Dan O’Connor OAM, RNA Councillors and Chief Executive, Mr Brendan Christou; distinguished guests.

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.

I am delighted to be joining you all this evening, as we look forward to our state’s largest annual celebration—the Ekka—which each year brings such excitement and fun to many thousands of locals and tourists.

I thank The Honourable David Thomas for his Toast, and take this opportunity to pay tribute to RNA Chief Executive Mr Brendan Christou, all RNA Councillors, and the entire team for their efforts in preparing the Brisbane Showgrounds for 9 days of intense and varied activities.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I am proud to support an organisation that not only generates tremendous joy, but since its beginnings—almost 150 years ago now—has always been a determined and stalwart champion for agriculture in our State.

We are so fortunate to have both exceptional quality and incredible variety in what is produced here, but beyond showcasing these attributes, the Ekka also honours the remarkable people who work on the land, and highlights the unique places that generate such abundance.

I am so grateful for this, because it is vital that urban Queenslanders have the chance to interact with those from the country—to learn more about fresh food production and the vital role agriculture plays in all of our lives.

Since becoming Governor, I have been privileged to visit 49 of our State’s 77 LGAs so far, and I am looking forward to visiting the remainder in my term.

From the coffee plantations of Mareeba and cattle pastures of Rockhampton, to the cotton and grain fields of the Dawson River, and the fruit orchards of Mundubbera—an admirable commitment to excellence is represented by the people I have met, whose pride in their work and their regions is so evident.     

I was also honoured to see Queensland’s producers shine on the world stage, when in May I attended SIAL Shanghai with TIQ. It was wonderful to see our beef, lamb and goat producers, and some of our key wine makers, demonstrating the merits that make our produce so favoured internationally. 

And while the geographical characteristics of each of our state’s localities may differ, the people who make their communities so strong are bonded by their generosity, resourcefulness, and deep pride in the places they call home.

Holding a community event of this scope and scale, helps reinforce the positive effects of togetherness—perhaps better termed the “Country Spirit”— which is undeniably powerful in promoting altruism, friendship and a good sense of humour—of benefit to us all!

Once the Ekka opens, Graeme and I are looking forward to being part of other special events, including the much-anticipated School Scarecrow Awards, and the People’s Day Grand Parade. 

Until then, I thank everyone here this evening for supporting the RNA in its very worthy mission, and for the work you all do in supporting Queenslanders wherever they may live.

I wish the RNA a very successful Ekka 2024. Thank you.