RNA Reception

Minister for Primary Industries, the Honourable Tony Perrett MP; RNA President, the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas; RNA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brendan Christou; RNA Councillors and representatives from agricultural shows across Queensland and interstate; 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 tonight.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you here this evening and, as the proud Patron of the RNA, I am especially pleased to have this opportunity to personally congratulate the RNA President and Councillors, as well as all those who have helped to make the 2026 Ekka such a success.

The Ekka this year will serve as a wonderful celebration of 150 years of enterprise and innovation in agriculture and industry in this state and I thank everyone concerned for making it such memorable occasion for all Queenslanders.

Since the very first Show in 1876, the Ekka has evolved with Queensland itself.

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. That enduring breadth is part of what has made the Ekka so beloved, generation after generation.

The Show has also reflected the character of Queenslanders: practical, resilient, inventive and generous.

It has weathered depressions, wars, natural disasters, pandemics and changing times, yet it has remained a constant in the life of the State — sustained by the RNA, exhibitors, judges, volunteers, sponsors, stewards, performers, workers and countless families whose commitment has ensured that the Ekka continues as a living tradition.

When our state celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2009, Queenslanders voted the Ekka to be the State’s most iconic event, and this year its status was further enhanced when it was officially designated as a Queensland Great at the Queensland Day Awards. 

Another wonderful national icon joining us this evening is the Melbourne Cup.

Known as ‘The People’s Trophy’, this magnificent trophy travels around Australia and the world each year ahead of the Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival, and we are delighted that the Victoria Racing Club has included the Ekka in its five-month tour, giving guests tonight the rare opportunity to admire and be photographed with this celebrated visitor.

It has been an absolute pleasure for Graeme and me to host tonight’s reception and to have with us so many of those we have met, in all parts of the State, during the past five years.

The Ekka truly does bring the country and the city together and I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you for your continuing passion and commitment as Queenslanders.

Before I conclude, I want to thank the Honourable David Thomas and Mrs Jane Thomas for everything they have done to protect and enhance the Ekka for now and the future.