Government House Queensland
The Governor and Professor Nimmo have joined thousands of Queenslanders at the Brisbane Showgrounds to celebrate a landmark occasion in the State's history, with Her Excellency officially opening the 150th Royal Queensland Show as Patron of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland.
The day began with visits to some of the Ekka's most-loved competition areas, where The Governor recognised excellence across a range of agricultural and community categories. Her Excellency presented certificates to winners of the 2026 Scarecrow Competition, awards in the Agricultural Hall competitions and ribbons in the stud beef cattle competition, acknowledging the skill, dedication and creativity that continue to underpin Queensland's premier agricultural show.
As Queensland's largest and most celebrated agricultural show reaches its sesquicentenary, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the enduring role the Ekka has played in bringing together city and country since 1876. Staged at its original home, the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka has become a cherished Queensland institution, attracting more than 400,000 visitors each year and showcasing the very best of the State's agriculture, industry, innovation and community spirit.
Officially opening the show, The Governor reflected on the Ekka's remarkable history and continuing relevance to Queensland's future.
"Since the very first Show in 1876, the Ekka has evolved with Queensland itself," Her Excellency said.
"In its earliest years, it helped introduce improved stock, machinery and agricultural practice to a young colony; over time, it grew into a meeting place of city and country, industry and invention, tradition and transformation."
The Governor noted that for generations the Ekka has reflected the character of Queenslanders, while providing opportunities for learning, aspiration and recognition.
"For children, it offers wonder and discovery; for competitors and exhibitors, it offers recognition and encouragement; for producers, it offers a stage on which to display the very best of Queensland."
Her Excellency also highlighted the significance of the Brisbane Showgrounds in Queensland's future, noting that the site will play an important role during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"This global event will bring once-in-a-lifetime experiences to communities across our State, but nowhere more so than right here at the RNA Showgrounds," she said.
The Governor thanked the RNA, exhibitors, volunteers, competitors, sponsors and staff whose efforts have sustained the event across generations, and paid tribute to all who have contributed to its success over the past 150 years.
Declaring the milestone show officially open, Her Excellency described the Ekka as "a Queensland institution that belongs to us all" and a living tradition that continues to celebrate the people, industries and communities that make Queensland unique.
