2026 Royal Queensland Show Flower and Garden – Education Competition Awards Presentation

RNA President, the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas; RNA Councillors; Distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbul and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

I’m so pleased to join you for what must be one of my favourite times of year — and one of my favourite events.

I love the Ekka — possibly even as much as you do — but every year, I look forward to this day in particular, when I can see what you all have been up to in your classrooms, and in your school gardens!

This can be our secret, but I think this competition is the one of the best in the whole Show, because I get to see the incredible talent and creativity of kids like you from across Queensland — as well as learn about your marvellous creations and what inspired you.

Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of travelling across Queensland, meeting the people who grow our food, care for our land and keep our agricultural industries strong.

I think of the Ekka as a big, wonderful celebration of that proud and very important heritage — although let’s face it, it’s also just great fun!

However, competitions like this also teach us about what connects us to each other as Queenslanders, and also the land, the crops and the animals that sustain us all, and that’s very important, too.

To all the students receiving awards today — congratulations, you should be enormously proud of what you have achieved.

These projects are about much more than winning prizes. They encourage curiosity, teamwork, imagination and learning. They remind us that even the smallest seed, when cared for, can grow into something wonderful — just as your own ideas and talents can.

I also want to thank your teachers, parents and carers for encouraging you along the way, and the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland for continuing to inspire the next generation through these wonderful competitions.

To all of the children here today, I hope you remember how it feels to be part of the Ekka.

I hope this experience sparks a lifelong love of gardening, of nature, and of Queensland's remarkable agricultural communities. Who knows? Perhaps one day you will be the farmers, scientists, horticulturalists or innovators helping to shape our state's future.

Congratulations once again to every participant and award recipient. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time at this year's Ekka.

But before that, I am here to present some ribbons to the winners!