Nambour Show Takes Centre Stage as Third Largest in Queensland
Show Society President Rowan O'Hara.
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show has grown to become the third largest show in Queensland, with a remarkable 84% increase in attendance over recent years, according to Show Society President Rowan O'Hara.
Speaking at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting held at Compass Connections Cafe this morning, Mr O'Hara shared his vision for reimagining the 118-year-old event.
"The Sunshine Agricultural Show is not just an agricultural show, it's an experience," Mr O'Hara told attendees. "We are really trying to reimagine what we are as an agricultural show."
With approximately 35,000 public attendees and an additional 4-5,000 exhibitors and staff, the show has become a major regional event that generates over $2 million in economic benefits for the area. Mr O'Hara highlighted the show's commitment to education and local talent, with almost all major entertainers being locally sourced this year.
"This year we've really changed our ring around. Every one of our major entertainers are all local," Mr O'Hara said, mentioning plans to bring 200-300 sheep into the main arena as part of the entertainment.
The June 13-15 show, scheduled will feature an expanded arts and crafts section housed in the main pavilion. Jenny McKay from the pavilion crew announced exciting developments including a new Makers Tent for local craftspeople to sell their work.
"We have that ability now where you can sell, but it must be makers," she explained, thanking sponsors including Racheal Pacoe, Fabric Cartel, and Sundale for supporting the arts section.
Compass highlights work
Lisa Brock, General Manager of Compass, highlighted her organisation's work providing opportunities for people with disabilities. Compass operates a 20-acre organic farm in Palmwoods and three Nambour campuses, including the venue hosting the Chamber meeting.
"All of the money that we make in our enterprises goes back into resourcing for people in the Sunshine Coast region that have a disability but have goals to have a better life," Ms Brock said. Compass will participate in the show's maker space with crafts created by their trainees.
HR and Co; Local Motion Body Recovery
New Chamber members also introduced their businesses, including Nicola Kemp from HR and Co, who offers HR support and training to small and medium businesses, and Charlie Alstrom from Local Motion Body Recovery, who has created a wellness space featuring infrared saunas and ice baths.
"It helps inflammation, anti-aging, weight loss, mental health, detoxing... basically anything you want help with," said Charlie about the benefits of cold water therapy.
The Chamber announced its next Coffee Catch-up will be held on June 6 at Stuff It in Howard Street. The Chamber is also offering a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Agricultural Show on June 12, available to members for $10 and non-members for $15.
