Friday 24 June 2022

Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council, Councillor Peter Flannery; President of the Redcliffe Show, Mr Garry Barlow; National President of the Light Horse Association, Mr Lawrence Watts; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

Thank you, Mr Sid Doyle for your Welcome to Country. I would also like to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country on which we gather and pay my respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Traditional Custodians, and their Elders past, present and emerging. I extend that respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

I’m delighted to be here this evening, at the 73^rd Redcliffe Show. There is something wonderfully special about annual Shows and the way they bring people together to celebrate the vibrancy of the region, admire local wares and talents, and have some good old-fashioned fun!

Every Show, whether large or small, is enormously important and special to the communities – they really are a part of the unique fabric of our State. It is one of my great privileges as Governor to offer my support to our regional shows, and I am proud to play my part in keeping this proud tradition alive and strong, for future generations to enjoy and to appreciate.

Now, I understand that when these grounds were first built back in 1906, they were originally planned to be used for cricket, though ironically, it appears no one was ‘bowled over’ with this idea as we are yet to see a cricket game be played here!

Nevertheless, they have proven a very successful home for the Show over the years, dating back to 1923 when the local council organised the inaugural ‘Humpybong Show’, as it was then called. After needing to shut down in 1939 due to World War II, it would re-emerge just over a decade later, in 1950, as the Redcliffe Show.

Now here we are, celebrating the 73^rd Show, and while the game of cricket may have evaded this turf, the grounds do also have the honour of being home to the humble beginnings of the Redcliffe Dolphins in 1947 – known back then as ‘Shellgrit’ – and didn’t that turn out well! How exciting for Redcliffe to be home to the NRL’s newest team.

Cricket and Rugby League aside, I really would like to take a moment to acknowledge the volunteers who have worked with great determination to organise this year’s show. Events such as this one takes an enormous amount of planning, and without volunteers it simply would not happen.

I also acknowledge the Redcliffe Show Society and the crucial role it plays in delivering a successful show each year.

And, finally, I thank you, the community, for coming out today to support and celebrate this wonderful event.

It is now my pleasure to declare the 73^rd Annual Redcliffe Show officially open.

Thank you.