RNA 2026 High Tea Charity Fundraiser

Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Amanda Camm MP; the 22nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Councillor for Hamilton Ward, Councillor Julia Dixon; High Tea Committee Chair, Mrs Jane Thomas; Committee Member and significant supporter, Mrs Gina Fairfax AC; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 today.

It is a great pleasure to be with you once again for this annual fundraising high tea, especially this year, as the Royal Queensland Show celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Few institutions have woven themselves so completely into the life of Queensland as the Ekka. Since 1876, it has brought people together across generations, across regions, and across communities, and it continues to do so, remaining as important today as it was 150 years ago as a showcase for Queensland agriculture and as a link between town and country.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I am proud to support an organisation that has helped shape our State’s identity in such a lasting way. In its 150 years it has become much more than an eagerly anticipated annual event; it has become a living expression of Queensland’s rural industries, and of the resilience and spirit that sustain them.

This afternoon’s fundraiser is a fine example of that spirit in action. It combines the best of the Ekka – friendship, entertainment, and a shared sense of purpose – with practical support for the education, health, and wellbeing of children and youth in regional, rural and remote Queensland.

Last year, the RNA High Tea Fundraiser was able to give just over $30,000 to the Longreach School of Distance Education, enabling the acquisition of new musical instruments and equipment to enhance the musical education of children in rural schools.

It was a project that spoke volumes about the values that underpin this annual fundraiser, recognising that distance should never mean disadvantage, and that the young people who live in remote Queensland deserve equal access to opportunity, encouragement and care, and to experiences that can inspire them and enrich their lives.

The two projects this year also open the door to broader horizons and possibility – support for children in Mt Isa, Tambo and Mitchell to attend sports camps organised by the Isolated Children’s and Parents’ Association; and support for students from around nine regional and remote schools to attend a writers’ festival next year.

I congratulate the RNA High Tea Fundraising Committee on their choice of these wonderful projects, especially at a time when there are so many cost-of-living pressures and competing demands for funds. They deserve the fullest support of everyone here today.

I also acknowledge and thank the Committee, as well as the hostesses, volunteers, sponsors, donors and supporters, for the effort they have put into making today possible. Behind every auction item, raffle prize, floral arrangement and carefully planned detail is a great deal of time, thought and goodwill. That effort matters. It is what turns an enjoyable afternoon into a meaningful act of community support.

So today, as you enjoy each other’s company, you can be proud of being part of this event’s 10-year fundraising tradition, knowing that every raffle ticket you buy, every auction bid you make will make a difference to the life of a young Queenslander and help to strengthen families and the communities in which they live.

Thank you again for being here today and for your generosity – I wish the Committee every success and wish the RNA a magnificent 150th Royal Queensland Show.

Have a wonderful Ekka!