Show milestone still brings city and country together
Show leaders Rowan O’Hara, Jenny McKay and General Manager Mark Paddenburg.
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show will celebrate 120 years in June with a three-day program designed to honour the region’s farming roots while giving modern families an affordable, hands-on connection to country life.
Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society president Rowan O’Hara used Thursday’s Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch-Up at Burnside State High School to outline what he said would be one of the biggest shows in the event’s history.
Mr O’Hara said the show officially marked its 120th year in 2026, but its origins stretched back about 125 years to Woombye, where local farmers first gathered to showcase livestock, produce, innovation and community pride.
“Those early gatherings were modest compared to today’s event, but they carried the same spirit that still drives us now,” he said. “Bringing people together, celebrating local achievements and supporting regional agriculture and business.”
From those early rural beginnings, the show has grown into one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest annual community events, attracting just under 40,000 visitors each year.
Mr O’Hara said generations of families had grown up with the show, including grandparents who once competed as children and now brought their own grandchildren through the gates.
While agriculture remained the heart of the event, he said the show had evolved with the Sunshine Coast to also include local business, education, arts, entertainment, innovation, tourism and community life. “The show has become a place where city meets the country,” he said. “For many children today, the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is their first opportunity to interact with farm animals, learn where food comes from, and watch live equestrian events or experience traditional rural skills firsthand.”
The 120-year celebrations will begin on Saturday, June 6, with an anniversary event that also falls on Queensland Day.
The show’s art exhibition will open on Tuesday, June 9, before the main event runs from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, at the Nambour Showgrounds.
Night of Horsepower
A major drawcard will be the feature night event, Night of Horsepower, featuring monster trucks, mobile stunt trucks, freestyle motorbikes, Liberty Horses and Wild Australian Brumbies presented by Dave Manchon. The night will close with a major fireworks, light and laser spectacular.
Beyond the arena entertainment, Mr O’Hara said the show would expand its educational and family-friendly offering.
A new creative writing competition will encourage young people to engage with storytelling, while the popular animal nursery has been expanded by more than 40 per cent.
There will also be extra free children’s activities and hands-on experiences to help keep the show accessible during cost-of-living pressure.
The show’s youth programs are also growing, including a junior school video program and an agricultural education program bringing more than 10 agricultural schools and about 150 students to the show for two days.
Mr O’Hara said accessibility was a key focus, with support from PrimeLink and community partners helping provide disability transport buses. Rail connections and courtesy buses from Nambour station and the CBD are also planned.
He said the event relied on hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, schools, businesses, exhibitors, emergency services and government partners.
As the society heads towards its AGM in August, Mr O’Hara said it was seeking new committee members and volunteers, particularly people with finance, governance, sponsorship, community engagement and business development skills.
“Fresh ideas and new energy are essential for ensuring the show continues to thrive for another 120 years,” he said.
“Ultimately the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show belongs to the community.”
• Tickets and info: sunshinecoastshow.com.au/tickets/