Ekka Media Kit 2024

ROYAL queensland show media kit

Your complete guide to the 2024 Royal Queensland Show

A B C D

F G H I

J K L M N

O’CONNELL TERRACE

STOCK PAVILIO

STOCKMAN’S REST

LARGE ANIMAL PAVILION

MACHINERY HILL

B105 SIDESHOW ALLEY

THE COURIER-MAIL SHOWBAG PAVILION

MAIN ARENA

MEMBERS’ STAND

B105 SIDESHOW ALLEY

SUSHI HUB CAT PRECINC & SHEEP SHEARING

AAM WOODCHOP ARENA & BAR

GOURMET PLAZA

EKKA EMPORIUM

WOOLWORTHS FRESH FOOD PAVILION

17 A B C D E F G H I

J K L M N

Please note: The information contained in the Ekka Map is current at the time of printing and subject to change. An online version of the map is available at www.ekka.com.au and will be updated with any late changes. *Farriers & Blacksmiths only available Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 August.

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O P Q R S T

2024 map

Animals Beef Cattle

Entertainment 7 LIVE Studios

Food & Bars Winghaus

Gnd G-5

Lvl1 H-14 Lvl1 G-13

L-13 I-12

Dogs presented by Sushi Hub Cats presented by Sushi Hub

P-10 N-11

Esports

Gourmet Plaza

Royal Queensland Cooking Stage presented by Saveful

James Squire Plaza Bar

H-10 M-14

J-14

Cradle-a-Chick

Gnd G-6 Lvl1 H-5 Lvl1 G-5

Kuhl-Cher Coffee

Main Stage

Lvl1 F-13

Dairy Cattle Dairy Goats

Queensland Country Women's Association

SHOW RING

EkkaNITES Night Show Multicultural Music Stage

L-8

I-8

HORSE STALLS

I-13

Royal Queensland Steakhouse presented by Kilcoy Global Foods Lvl1 H-13 Royal Queensland Cooking Stage presented by Saveful J-14 Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion I-15 Claw L-13 3 Bros Korean Bistro M-14 Ekka Tuckshop J-14 Nugg Shack J-12 Smokehouse K-13 Bar Gusto J-14 Axeman’s Bar B-11 XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill O-6 Retail Ekka Emporium N-13 Sushi Hub Cat Precinct & Sheep Shearing N-11 John Reid Retail Pavilion M-12 King Street M-15 Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion I-15

Fish

C-17

XXXX STOCKMEN’S BAR & GRILL

Natural Fibres Fashion Parade presented by Channel 7 Venomous Snake & Reptile Show

Horses

L-8

Lvl1 F-13

Poultry, Pigeons, Birds & Eggs

Gnd G-5

L-14 XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill Stage O-6 Education Education on Show F-15 Get Kids Cooking with Australian Eggs Gnd C-17 Harvest to Home: A Grain Story Gnd C-17 Little Backyard Farmers presented by Somerville House Gnd G13 Norco Grass to Glass Experience H-5 Norco Milking Barn H-5 Horsing Around Show presented by QOTT P-5 Sheep Shearing N-11 Showbags The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion D-8 Media Activations 4BC Radio H-13 ABC Radio H-12 B105 Radio N-10 Channel 7 Lvl1 H-14

Ekka Animal Nursery

Q-12

Sheep

Lvl2 H-5

HORSE STALLS

Exhibits/Displays Arts & Cookery Lvl1 G-13 District & School Produce Exhibits Gnd H-14 Farriers & Blacksmiths* N-5 Fleece Display Gnd H-14 Floristry Gnd F-14 Flower & Garden Gnd H-13 Flower Crowns Gnd F-14 Heritage Exhibition Lvl1 G-12 Queensland Government Precinct Lvl1 H-12

CREW ONLY

SUSHI HUB DOG PAVILION

Quilts Across Queensland presented by Pillow Talk School Garden & Scarecrow AAM Woodchop Arena

Lvl1 G-13 Gnd E-14

C-11

Gnd = Ground Floor Lvl1= Level One Lvl2 = Level Two

Rides Kids Carnival

ANIMAL NURSERY

0-12, Q-15 E-10, G-7

KIDS CARNIVAL

B105 Sideshow Alley

Gates

Bus Dro O/Pic U

ATM

Tax / Rideshar Tax / Rideshar

Informatio Bths Informatio Bths

Lcker Lcker

Disable Dro O/ Pic U

Fir Ai Fir Ai

Toilets Toilets

KIDS CARNIVAL

Publi Dro O

Mobil Phon Chargin

Femal Toile Femal Toile

Bik Racks

Lo & Foun

Mal Toile Mal Toile

LF LF

Ura Utilities Water Stations Ura Utilities Water Stations

Disable Toile Disable Toile

Kee Kids Saf Prgra

Polic Statio P Polic Statio

Paren’ Ro

Mil’ Magi

Lamb

Beef Cal

Bus Dro O/Pic U Bus Dro O/Pic U Bus Dro O/Pic U

ATM

Wdcho

Cats

Tax / Rideshar Tax / Rideshar Tax / Rideshar

Dair Cal

Flower & Garde Flower & Garde Flower & Garde

Lcker

O P Q R S T

Quilts

Dgs

Disable Dro O/ Pic U Disable Dro O/ Pic U Disable Dro O/ Pic U

Fir Ai

Fleec Breeds

Fis

Publi Dro O

Mobil Phon Chargin Mobil Phon Chargin Mobil Phon Chargin

Creativ Arts

Poultr, Pigeons, Birds & Eggs Poultr, Pigeons, Birds & Eggs Poultr, Pigeons, Birds & Eggs

Bik Racks

Gats

Phtgraph

LF Lo & Foun

Lo & Foun

Bees

Ura Utilities Water Stations Ura Utilities Water Stations Ura Utilities Water Stations

Hores

Coker

Kee Kids Saf Prgra Kee Kids Saf Prgra Kee Kids Saf Prgra

Polic Statio P Polic Statio P Polic Statio P

Mil’ Magi

Stag

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Page 3

contents

Welcome Message

Daytime Entertainment Night-time Entertainment

5 6 7 9

40 48 56 58 62 64 68 72 74 76 78 83

Ekka Media Essentials

Music

Exhibition station Community Spirit

Education

Rides

10 11

Tickets Ekka App

Showbags

Food & Beverages Royal Queensland Cooking Stage

12 Ekka's beaut budget busters 14 Ekka History 16 What’s New 18 Beef Cattle 22 Dairy Cattle 24 Horse 26 Animal Adventures 30 Our Competitions 32

Fashion Fun Facts

100 Free Things To Do & See

Daily Program

Sponsorship Partners

132

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welcome

We are buoyed to see growth in our competitions with entry numbers up by 20-40 per cent in several of the 60 competitions, with more than 20,000 entries in total. It is also wonderful to see growth in the agricultural education sections, including the introduction of two new competitions aimed exclusively at school students – Greenhouse Innovators and the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T). Everything starts with agriculture from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, and the RNA is proud to showcase, recognise and reward the vital role farming plays through the Ekka. The Ekka Media Kit is the comprehensive guide to the 2024 Show, detailing the aforementioned, many new additions and highlights, plus the full daily program. The RNA sincerely appreciates the media’s coverage and we look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Show.

David Thomas RNA President

Brendan Christou RNA Chief Executive

It’s that time again as excitement builds for the 2024 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) – the ultimate celebration of Queensland agriculture. This year’s Show will feature all the attractions people know and love – the animals, competitions, rides, showbags and the night show - EkkaNITES - featuring the Fireworks Spectacular. This year there is a renewed focus on providing Ekka patrons with more hip-pocket relief in the form of discounts and value offerings. For the first time in the RNA’s 149-year history, all food vendors at the Show will have a special low cost item plus a value food and drink bundle on their menu. The introduction of the new Ekka Tuck Shop provides more value with nothing over $5, making for an easy and affordable way to feed the family. The RNA is also bringing back last year’s hugely popular two-for-one rides across both ride precincts from 9.30am to 10.30am each morning of Show. This is in addition to the four special Super Saver Days of Show – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – with tickets 20 per cent cheaper than weekends and the public holiday. There are almost 380 different showbags on offer this year, including 67 new bags, with prices starting at $2 and numerous options priced at under $5. The RNA, a not-for-profit organization, has also frozen the price of a family pass at $88, as well as providing discounted ticket options in the lead-up to Ekka, where we are hoping to welcome 400,000 people. Competitions are the heart of the Show and this year there are new classes across our Cooking, Preserves, Farriers and Blacksmith and Fashions on the Field competitions.

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ekka media

Ekka Spokespeople Interview requests with the following authorised Ekka spokespeople should be organised through the Ekka Media team:

The RNA operates an Ekka Media Centre for all accredited media personnel reporting on the Show. Location: Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion (upper level) Opening hours: 8am to 8pm daily The Ekka Media Centre provides accredited media personnel with access to a phone, Wi-Fi internet (a password will be provided), lockers and light refreshments. Media Accreditation and Access All media representatives reporting on the Show must be accredited by the Ekka Media team prior to the event. Please ensure you have your pass on you to gain access to the 2024 Ekka. Accredited media personnel must always display their pass while onsite at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Onsite Vehicle Access for Broadcast Media Television news crews requiring onsite vehicle access for filming must contact the Ekka Media team. Limited passes are available. Ekka Media Team The Ekka Media team is on hand in the lead up to and during show and can be contacted for story ideas and interview details including competitors, entertainers, judges and stewards.

David Thomas RNA President Brendan Christou RNA Chief Executive Veronica Carew General Manager Communications Photographs and Vision

High resolution photographs and raw vision shot daily during Ekka can be requested through the Ekka Media team to support Show related stories. Media Releases and Alerts Ekka media releases and daily alerts will be distributed to media via email and can also be accessed through the Show website by clicking here. Daily alerts will be emailed and uploaded to the website at the end of each day, providing Show highlights and information on the following day. Competition Results Competition results will be uploaded to the website daily and can be viewed by clicking here. Websites RNA websites include: n Ekka - up-to-date information on the Ekka including entertainment, education, competitions, showbags and rides n RNA - the corporate website for information about the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association Queensland which runs the Ekka n Royal Queensland Awards (RQA) - covers the retail food competitions (cheese and dairy produce; ice cream, gelato and sorbet; beef and lamb; beer; and wine). You’ll find RQA award- winning products showcased at Royal Queensland Cooking Stage in the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion n Brisbane Showgrounds and Royal International Convention Centre - what’s on year-round at the Brisbane Showgrounds

Veronica Carew General Manager Communications M 0408 323 631 E vcarew@rna.org.au Natalie McKeering Senior Media Consultant M 0418 986 084 E nmckeering@rna.org.au Olivia Hatch Senior Media Consultant M 0408 743 745 E ohatch@rna.org.au

Kelly Hawke Senior Media Consultant M 0438 340 989 E khawke@rna.org.au Nicole Clifton Media & Communications Officer M 0417 451 775 E nclifton@rna.org.au

Don’t forget to follow us on social media

@theekka

@TheEkka

Ekka

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ekka

essentials

n Toilets are located in most buildings around the Showgrounds n Locker facilities are primarily located under the John MacDonald Stand, but can also be found at several other locations around the Showgrounds n Drinking tap water is located at several sites around the Showgrounds Recycling The Ekka will provide green bins for recycling drink containers through the Containers for Change Program, raising funds for the RNA Foundation (RNAF). For every plastic bottle and aluminium can recycled, container refunds will be donated to the RNAF. The RNAF raises funds to aid agricultural heritage preservation, agricultural education and agricultural awareness and development. Mobile Phone Charging A secure mobile phone charging station can be found near the locker facilities under the John MacDonald Stand. (J-8) Information Booths Three information booths will be conveniently located: n Outside the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion on Gregory Terrace (I-14) n Near the Stockman's Rest (M-5) n Near the Woodchop Arena presented by AAM in B105 Sideshow Alley (D-11) Lost Children Lost Children is located at the Gregory Terrace Police Station, which is open from 9am to 8.30pm. (J-12) As part of the Keep Kids Safe program, parents are encouraged to collect a free wrist band from the police marquee on Gregory Terrace as soon as they arrive at Ekka. They can write their mobile number on their child’s wrist band, so if they become separated, they can be reunited ASAP. Operations Centre The RNA Operations Centre is located at the Gatehouse on Gregory Terrace and houses Emergency Services, RNA Operations Team, OH&S and Security. Lost and Found Lost and found is located at Guest Services on the lower level of the Royal International Convention Centre. (H-12)

Public transport Public transport is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get to the Ekka. Learn more at translink.com.au/ekka Taxis & Rideshare A dedicated Rideshare & Taxi zone is located outside Gate 1 on Costin Street. Parking Parking Stations are conveniently located at: n McWhirters - enter via Warner or Ballow Streets n Valley Metro - enter via Alfred or Alden Streets n 388 Brunswick Street Car Park - enter via Berwick Street n 4 Mead Lane - enter via Ranwell Lane Cycling Although cycling inside the grounds is prohibited, secure bike racks are located in Carriage Street. (L-16) Facilities n ATM facilities are located around the Showgrounds n EFTPOS facilities are available near most ticket entry gates

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First Aid There are three first aid locations which operate between 8am and 11pm daily: n Under the John MacDonald stand (J-7) n Behind the ferris wheel in Alexandra Park (P-13) n Near the Large Animal Pavilion (F-5) Accessibility The Ekka is committed to providing ease of access for all visitors. A range of services and amenities will be offered for the convenience of access around the grounds: n Scooter, stroller and wheelchair hire which is located under the John MacDonald Stand. Hire times are 9am to 5pm n Restrooms with disabled access, including additional disabled porta- loos n Ramps providing easy access between roads and footpaths n Dedicated drop off / pick up zones with disability access for cars and taxis on Costin Street n Two dedicated Main Arena viewing areas for wheelchair patrons n Parking with disability access in King Street n Changing place Parents' Rooms There are three parents’ rooms located around the grounds for those with babies and young children.

The Ekka is Smoke Free Designated smoking areas will not be available within the Showgrounds precinct, but there will be two designated smoking areas located outside the Showgrounds. Road Closures With all the excitement plus parades, livestock, entertainment and crowd movements, there will be some delays and road closures in the lead-up to and during Ekka. Gregory Terrace, King Street, O’Connell Terrace, Costin Street and Alexandria Street will be partially or fully closed from Wednesday 31 July. OH&S Media personnel on site are required to follow all applicable OH&S rules and regulations set in place by the RNA, to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others in the workplace. Membership Those who become RNA members for an annual fee of $130 (country adult) or $145 (city adult) receive a range of benefits at the Ekka. These include free nine day entry to the Show; a nine day guest pass, VIP seating passes for the fashion parade and Royal Queensland Cooking Stage; access to the Members’ Grandstand and Bar; and free use of the locker facilities. For more information please click here.

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exhibition station

Cross River Rail (CRR) has confirmed the planned temporary opening of the new Exhibition station for this year’s Ekka will not go ahead. CRR has advised that this is due to recent and ongoing interruptions to work schedules at the Exhibition site. This has meant that work was unable to be completed to ensure proper safety certification could be achieved prior to the event. Translink are coordinating a comprehensive public transport plan for this year’s Show which is based on last year’s successful roll-out, when Exhibition station was not in use due to construction. Rest assured, plenty of transport options will be available for Ekka patrons, with multiple alternative travel options including nearby bus and train stations, high frequency bus services and shuttles for passengers with accessibility needs. Ekka visitors will be able to catch public transport, as normal, to the Show, with trains and buses operating from Fortitude Valley station and Herston Busway. Similar to last year, it is then just a 550-metre walk to the nearest show gate. Accessible transfers for customers with accessibility needs will operate from Herston Busway station and Fortitude Valley train station direct to Show Gate 5 from 8.30am to 11pm each day of the Show. For further information on public transport to this year’s Show and to plan your journey please visit www.translink.com.au/ekka

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community

spirit

The Common Good For the past 37 years, the iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes have been funding much needed medical research for The Common Good. Each year, around 1,700 volunteers help to serve more than 130,000 sundaes across the nine days of Show. The sale of the sundaes support life-saving research into heart disease, lung disease, mental health and dementia. To create the sundaes, the volunteers use approximately: n 7.2 tonnes of fresh Queensland strawberries n 375kg of cream n 22,500 litres of LICK ice cream Children's Hospital Foundation Farmer Rhonda and Farmyard Friends together with Dinosaur Train helped sick Queensland kids and their families enjoy a taste of the Ekka. Carrying on a decade-plus tradition, the RNA and Children’s Hospital Foundation joined forces once again to provide some Ekka-tainment, where children and their families were treated to showbags, plus meet and greets with Farmnyard Friends and characters from the popular kids shows Dinosaur Train. Community Showcase With an average 400,000 people attending the Show, the Ekka is proud to provide a stage to hundreds of talented individuals. The Show provides a platform for artists, industry groups, school groups, musicians, entertainers and competitors to showcase their abilities to a large audience.

Queensland Ag Shows

Queensland Ag Shows is the peak body for the Agricultural Show Societies in Queensland. It aims to promote and protect the general interests of Show Societies so they can continue to put on safe events and increase community wellbeing. The State Finals for most of their competitions are held at the Ekka each year, including: Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards Eleven community and agriculture focused young women from across Queensland will compete in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards State Finals. The women will take to the Multicultural Plaza Music Stage on Saturday 10 August at 2.30pm. Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards Eleven agricultural show winning Rural Ambassadors with a strong commitment to the rural industries will compete for the title of Queensland Rural Ambassador State Winner. The presentation of awards to the successful State Finalists will be on the Multicultural Plaza Music Stage on

Sunday 11 August at 2.30pm. Young Judges and Paraders

Queensland Ag Shows Cattle Young Judges and Paraders State Final competitions will take place at Ekka. The competitions are held across four levels - Local Agricultural Show, Sub Chamber Finals, State and National Championships, and include Prime Beef Cattle and Stud Beef Cattle. Dark Rich Fruit Cake Competition The winning Best Dark Rich Fruit Cake in Queensland will be judged live on the Royal Queensland Cooking Stage presented by Saveful in the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion on Tuesday 13 August at 3pm. Competing for top honours will be the top three fruit cakes entered into the Ekka against the top three winners from Queensland Ag Shows. The winners will then be on display in the Arts and Cookery precinct.

Contact for all Queensland Ag Shows Competitions: Carolyn Cahill - 07 3277 7747 or admin@qldagshows.com.au

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Super Saver Days & Discounts The RNA, as a not-for-profit organisation, is very mindful of rising cost of living pressures and providing families with value for money so Ekka can be enjoyed on any budget. This year, the RNA have put a freeze on the cost of a family ticket to provide hip pocket-relief for families. The Ekka offers four special Super Saver Days of Show - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - with tickets 20 per cent cheaper than weekends and the public holiday. There is also 20 per cent off digital $150 ride cards and 15 per cent off digital $100 ride cards. This year, customers who have opted for a Digital Ride Card, can download their ticket and add it to their e-wallet from their ticket confirmation email. It can then be stored in their Apple/Android wallet for scanning. Ekka goers are also notified about special discounted ticket offers when subscribing and saving at ekka. com.au. 2-For-1 Double The Fun! Daily two-for-one rides are back with showgoers able to enjoy double the fun from 9:30am to 10:30am every morning of Ekka in the B105 Sideshow Alley and Kids Carnival area. The two-for-one rides deal was introduced for the first time in 2023 and based on the success of this discount offering, the double deal returns in 2024. tickets

Ekka 2024 Ticket Prices Tickets must be purchased online and people need to nominate the day they are coming to the Show.

Ticket Type

Price

Adult Ticket

$39.90

Child Ticket (5 to 14 years of age)

$24.90

Little Ekka Ticket (4 years of age and under)

Free

Concession Ticket

$29.90

Adult & Child Ticket

$49.90

Family Ticket (two adults & two children)

$88

Twilight Ticket (entry after 4pm)

$24.90

Return Ticket

$21

Super Saver Days Save 20% off the following days - Monday 12 August, Tuesday 13 August, Thursday 15 August and Friday 16 August. Value Added Extras Digital Only $150 Ride Card $120

Digital Only $100 Ride Card

$85

Digital Only $50 Ride Card

$45

FUN! DOUBLE THE

Subscribe at ekka.com.au to get special offers and fiond out first about big announcement

SUNDAY SUNDAY super KIDS

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ekka app

How to know what’s App-enning at Ekka

Woof…have you heard? There’s an exciting way to get around Ekka! Navigate your way around the Show with Ekka’s functional, fun and free app for all ages. Using blue dot technology, the app includes all the information you need to plan your day at Ekka and will help you to easily find your way from your favourite shows to showbags! Fully integrated with ekka.com.au, create a MYEKKA account and create an itinerary for your visit by saving events and activities and then receive upcoming event notifications. While you’re exploring Ekka, help Milo the Sheepdog find all of his lost sheep for the chance to win daily showbags AND learn more about how we judge some of our Ekka competitions through our new interactive 'You Be The Judge' game! Download the Ekka App now and enjoy lots of unique benefits.

GET IT ON

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Meet Milo and the Ekka Sheep Milo

Ram-bow Bright, bold and colourful, he loves everyone…and everyone loves him. He is the natural leader of the flock and brings out the best in all his friends. Spaaarkle Fleece Extremely competitive, Spaaarkle Fleece loves a challenge. When she’s not winning blue ribbons, she’s solving puzzles with friends. Fairy Fleece A little sticky but always sweet! She loves twirling around and around, sprinkling magical sugar dust wherever she goes. Lamberjack Show-stopping, wood-chopping Lamberjack loves to work hard. He’s always ready to have a big adventure with his friends. Gold-ie Amazingly woolly Gold-ie Sheep has a champion fleece, but she is shy and can be difficult to find. Keep an eye out for Gold-ie as she reaches new heights around the Showgrounds.

Milo is Farmer Rhonda’s best friend and is born to entertain…at least that’s what he believes! He’s handsome, energetic and loves chasing sheep. Milo is also Ekka’s official sheepdog, responsible for Ekka’s sheep, but now all his sheep are enchanted by the magic of the Ekka….who knows where they will end up! Milo needs your help! Baabright Baabright is a dazzling little sheep whose fluffy white wool sparkles with the magic of a thousand twinkling stars, spreading joy and bright smiles wherever she roams! Strawbaa-ry Strawbaa-ry will sweeten your day! She loves to surprise her friends with the world-famous Strawberry Sundae Ice Cream.

You be the Judge Ekka app users will have their very own chance to try their hand at judging across an array of Ekka competitions. Learn more about how we judge an award-winner while you play and collect digital badges. Collect all 10 digital badges by successfully completing each area of the game to become an Honorary Chief Judge.

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Ekka’s beaut

budget busters

Ekka Tuck Shop The RNA is also launching a new discount food outlet - the Ekka Tuck Shop, which features a menu of hot food items all priced at $5 and under. The introduction of the new Ekka Tuck Shop provides more value with not a single food item over $5, making for an easy and affordable way to feed the family as you walk around enjoying the Show. Dine on dim sims for as little as $2, potato scallops for $3 or pay that little bit extra for potato gems, a chiko roll, spring roll or crumbed cheese and bacon sausage, which are all priced at $5.

New value food deals, half-price tickets and two-for-one rides are part of this year’s budget conscious Ekka designed to deliver savings and make the Show affordable for all. The RNA, a not-for-profit organisation, is very mindful of rising cost of living pressures and has worked closely with food and ride operators this year to deliver offers and discounts so families can enjoy Ekka on any budget. From Super Saver Days to value meal bundles – the Ekka is forging new ways to make the fun more affordable! Food & Drink Value For the first time in our 148-year history all food vendors at the Show will have a special value item plus a food and drink bundle on their menu. The majority of the new special low cost menu items offered by more than 110 Ekka food vendors will be $10 or less, and the food and drink bundles will start from $7.50. If you’re seeking to feed a family, there are countless bundles to suit all appetites from the hungry to discerning showgoer. For those in-between snacks, swing by the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion where numerous samples will be on offer. Showgoers also have the option of bringing in their own food and drinks. If you need to quench your thirst fill up your water bottle at one of the many free water filling stations that Urban Utilities will have around the Ekka.

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Riding High for Less - 2 for 1 Rides The popular introduction of daily two-for-one rides returns, giving showgoers one hour of discounted rides from 9.30am to 10.30am every morning of Ekka in the B105 Sideshow Alley and Kids Carnival area. At this year’s Ekka there is also 20 per cent off digital $150 ride cards and 15 per cent off digital $100 ride cards. Customers can download their digital ride card and add it to their e-wallet from their ticket confirmation email. It can then be stored in their Apple/Android wallet for scanning. The rides are always a major drawcard for showgoers and the prices don’t have to break the budget with the following starting from as little as $8! n Cup and Saucer n Samba Balloon Race n Outback Monster Trucks n Mini Pirate Ship n Mini Ferris Wheel n Fantasy Flyer n Cars 4 Kids n Pirates Nest In addition the Euro Slide and Fun Slide offers three slides for $10. Discounts are just the Ticket! The RNA has frozen the price of a family pass at $88 to help provide more hip pocket relief. Family pass tickets are available online only and when booking, people need to nominate the day they are coming to the Ekka. Also back this year are the four special Super Saver Days of Show – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – which are 20 per cent cheaper than weekends and the public holiday. Subscribers to ekka.com.au won’t have to pay full price for any tickets with discounts on offer to subscribers in the lead up to Show. Even better, these discounts can be used in conjunction with the Super Saver Day discount offering an additional 20 per cent off. FUN! DOUBLE THE 9

It’s Ekka-nomical! Family itinerary for a $120 budget Entry to Ekka:

Purchase a Family Pass (for 2 adults and 2 kids) on a Super Saver Day (12,13, 15, 16 August) in the 25% off ticket sale being offered to Ekka website subscribers in early August. Price: $66 Rides: The kids can jump on a slide ride during the daily 9.30am-10.30am 2-for-1 ride session Price: $10 (two kids get 3 rides each) Morning Tea: Bring your own or indulge in free gourmet food samples at the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion Price: FREE Lunch: Pop over to The Courier-Mail Showbag Pavilion for a cheese toastie from Toastie Boy Price: $14 (for 4 toasties) Showbags: The kids can grab a Rainbow Freeze showbag. Price: $4 (for 2 showbags) Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundae. Price: $26 (for 4 sundaes) TOTAL: $120.00 SUNDAY SUNDAY super KIDS

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ekka

The Early Shows On August 22, 1876, a crowd of more than 15,000 people made their way by horse, foot or carriage to experience the very first Ekka, at what is now known as the Brisbane Showgrounds. Some of today’s traditions stem back to this first exhibition. Competitions were a cornerstone of the Ekka right from the beginning with 1,700 entries across 650 classes with people competing for trophies, cash prizes and medals. Visitors were treated to more than 1,000 exhibits and charged an entry fee of a half-crown, or one shilling if they waited until after the official opening. The first show depended heavily on the voluntary efforts of RNA Council members, judges and stewards as the RNA did not yet have its own staff, apart from employing nightwatchmen. Celebrating the colony’s achievements, the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 was praised as the most significant event in Queensland since its separation from New South Wales. Since 1876 the Ekka has continued to grow in popularity and size, remaining one of the most anticipated yearly events. It has been held annually at the Brisbane Showgrounds since its inception except for four instances – in 1919 at the height of the Spanish influenza epidemic, in 1942 during World War II when the grounds were used as a staging depot for troops and most recently in 2020 and 2021 due to the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Strange But True n A key event at the first show in 1876 was a competition for the best sample of 5 tonne of manure, deodorised and prepared in the most economical form of use n The first ever showbag was a bag of coal n In the 1920s a flock of 90 sheep were used to maintain the lawns at the Brisbane Showgrounds n At the first show there was a competition for the fastest walking farm horse n During the Great Depression new entertainment was introduced including goat races that attracted some 100 competitors in a single show n There was no Sideshow Alley in 1876, just a lone individual known as the ‘lightning calculator,’ whose facility with numbers amazed the crowds History on Show! Learn more about Ekka at Ekka by visiting our Heritage Display, featuring trophies and vintage showbags, in the Channel 7 Pavilion from 9am to 7pm each day.

history About the Ekka The Ekka is Queensland's largest and most loved annual event, attracting some 400,000 people. Run by the RNA for 9 days in August and staged at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka brings the country and city together for a true celebration of agriculture. The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, attracting more than 20,000 competition entries from woodchop to quilts, 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides and showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more. The iconic show has been running since 1876 and is full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories which have been passed down through generations of families. Who is Behind the Show? Founded in 1875, the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) is an independent, not-for-profit member based organisation that has freehold title to the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds. The organisation’s guiding mission is to celebrate and champion the essential role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Queenslanders. Governed by 21 elected Councillors, the RNA showcases and rewards the very best of the best in agriculture through the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) and Royal Queensland Awards (RQA) competitions. Outside of Ekka, the Brisbane Showgrounds is a venue business which hosts more than 300 events each year including exhibitions, conferences, banquets and music festivals. How it Started The RNA has a rich history stemming back to 1875 when a group of colonists joined together to encourage the development of Queensland’s primary industries. Leading members of the colonial society formed the first RNA Council, under the presidency of Governor Sir William Cairns, with most of the 35 members pastoralists and merchants. The RNA Council immediately committed themselves to organising the very first exhibition for Brisbane - from calling for tenders for the initial building to meeting with the Premier of Queensland to establish a public holiday on opening day. The result was the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 - the largest event to be held in the state up to that point. The RNA, along with the exhibition, continued to expand and grow in popularity and in 1921, the association was granted the prefix ‘Royal’ under warrant from His Majesty King George V. Since then, the shortened name ‘Ekka’ has replaced ‘Exhibition’ in the Queensland vernacular.

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1876 The First Exhibition The Intercolonial Exhibition of 1876 was held at Bowen Park with an estimated 15,000-17,000 people attending out of Brisbane’s population at the time of just 20,600 1877 First Ekka Ride The first ride was a merry-go-round in Sideshow Alley* 1879 Introduction of Queensland’s Newest Technologies Ekka patrons were amazed by telephones, microphones, electric lights and even an electric thief detector 1889 Sheepdog Trials Held for the First Time 1891 District Exhibits The first district exhibits contest was held – nine regions competed for a prize pool of £175* 1894 First Fireworks Display in the Main Arena 1909 Jubilee Show The 12 day show was the largest agricultural show in Australia that year with more than 7,000 competition entries* 1919 First Ekka Cancelled Due to Influenza Epidemic 1920 Edward, Prince of Wales Visits the Ekka 1926 Queensland Country Women’s Association Makes its First Appearance 1942 Second Ekka Cancelled Due to World War II 1950’s Ekka Food Traditions The now symbolic Ekka fairy floss, butter board sandwiches, strawberry sundaes and dagwood dogs were introduced* 1954 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip Visit the Ekka 1959 HRH Princess Alexandria of Kent Visits 1964 Animal Nursery at the Ekka First Introduced 1969 First Skymaster Ferris Wheel at Ekka 1988 Expo 88 Ekka achieved its highest attendance with an estimated 800,000 people flooding through the gates* 2000 Sideshow Alley and Woodchop Inner city bypass constructed, Sideshow Alley and the Woodchop Arena redeveloped 2010 One of the Most Successful Ekka’s in History Held The 2010 Ekka saw a 20 per cent increase in crowd numbers

2011 Grammy Award Winners Wolfmother Close Ekka’s Concert Series 2012 Australian First Ekka fans were able to customise their own fireworks on the show’s free interactive fireworks iPhone app 2012 Australian of the Year and Academy Award-winning actor and producer Geoffrey Rush attended the opening day of the Ekka 2013 Ekka Wins International Awards The Royal Queensland Show took home the prestigious Best in Show title, along with 13 other awards, at the 2013 International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Awards 2014 Million Dollar Night Show Australian-first million dollar night show EkkaNITES wowed the crowds each night of show The Ekka ran over two full weekends for the first time in the show’s history 2015 The Year of the Flying Pigs The Racing and Diving Pigs wowed the crowds at Ekka for the very first time, flying through the sky and diving into a pool of water 2016 The Return of The Old Museum After 119 years, The Old Museum came back home to Ekka, housing the Flower and Garden Exhibition and Quilts Across Queensland 2017 Ekka’s 140th Anniversary The Ekka celebrates a remarkable milestone - its 140th anniversary An early children’s fireworks display features in EkkaNITES for the first time in recent history 2018 Investing in Agriculture The RNA invested in its charter of championing and celebrating agriculture, building two new event facilities that were used at Ekka for the very first time. The Pavilion was partially used to house beef and dairy cattle, dairy goats and poultry, while Marquee 2 was the new Woodchop Arena 2019 New Park for Dogs Alexandria Park, completed in April 2019, became the new home of one of Ekka’s largest and most popular competitions - Dogs 2020 Ekka cancelled for only the third time in history due to the global Covid-19 pandemic 2021 Ekka cancelled one week before gates open, due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic 2022 The historic return of the Ekka, attended by more than 345,000 people 2023 One of the most successful years in recent RNA history More than 400,000 people through the gates and more than 21,000 competition entries received.

*Historical information and statistics sourced from ‘Showtime – A History of the Brisbane Exhibition’ by Joanne Scott and Ross Laurie, 2008; and RNA Archives. ekka media kit | Page 17

what's

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Competitions n Arts and Cookery (Cookery): Live judging of the winner of Queensland’s Best Dark Rich Fruit Cake n Arts and Cookery (Cake Decorating): New buttercream class n Arts and Cookery (Cake Decorating): 2024 theme is Halloween-style pumpkin n Arts and Cookery (Cookery): New ABC Radio Brisbane Queensland in a Jar, plus new classes for chocolate caramel slice and raspberry coconut slice n Arts & Cookery (Natural Fibres Make & Model): 2024 Senior School Class theme is 1980s fashion era n Arts & Cookery (Natural Fibres Make & Model): 2024 Queensland Ag Shows Adult Recycle and Re-Create class theme is Goth n Arts & Cookery (Natural Fibres Make & Model): New themes are 1980s fashion era and goth. n Creative Art and Craft Competition: Teddy Bears now the Teddy Bears and Furry Friends, and China Painting rebranded as Porcelain Art. n Education on Show: new theme - Our Farmers – Our Future n Farriers and Blacksmiths: New speed forging class. n Fleece Breeds (Sheep): 2024 feature breed Suffolk Sheep n Flower and Garden (Floristry): additional $1250 in prize money n Flower and Garden (Floristry): 2024 theme is Australian Bush Catwalk Fashion Show n Flower and Garden (School Scarecrow Competition): 2024 theme is Waltzing Matilda n Flower and Garden (Floristry): Dairy Flower Crowns now Dairy Flower Garland n Horses (Fashions on the Field): New Emerging Designer category n Horses (Showjumping): Queensland Off-The-Track Program Showcase prize money increased from $50,000 to $75,000 n Horse competitions: Gender-based classes have been updated.  #192 was Gentlemen riding a gelding; now Rider on Gelding.  #193 was Ladies riding a mare; now Mare Riding.  #200 was gentlemen riding/hack; now Rider on horse.  #201 was Ladies riding/hack mare; now rider/hack mare. n Poultry, Pigeons, Birds and Eggs: Feature breeds Brahma and Cochin (chicken) and Muscovy (duck) n Wearable Art Competition is now its own competition, separate to Natural Fibres Make & Model with the 2024 theme being Your Imagination.

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Daytime Entertainment New Daytime Entertainment at the Ekka this year includes: n Dinosaur Train: Join Buddy the T-Rex and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they deliver fun facts about dinosaurs, play games and host a singalong. n Country Music Showdown presented by Ariat: This year’s ultimate search for Queensland’s next country music star has a new record prize pool worth more than $70,000 (increase of more than $20,000)! n Roulettes: The Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team. n Little Pony Roller Race: In this zany show, watch as riders wearing jockey silks and rollerblades roll around the arena while mounted on miniature ponies. Education n The Scientist’s Kitchen: A look at the science behind the food we eat, and how nutrition affects our health and wellbeing. n Harvest to Home: A Grain Story: A hands-on experience with grains from milling to making dough. n G.O.A.T. – Greatest of All Time: Goat-ting around this year’s Ekka will be 19 fibreglass, life-sized goats displaying student artworks. The designs and supporting artist direction statement speak to why the students consider their region the Greatest Of All Time. n Greenhouse Innovators: Students from several schools have taken farming with AgTech to the next level by competing in the Ekka's Greenhouse Innovator Competition where they analyse the effects of different soils, lights, and environments on the monitoring of plant growth and data collection. n 4B Garden: Learn about the birds and the bees, butterflies and bugs (4B) and, specifically, how to attract them in the 4B Garden. The impressive 14-metre-long self-guided garden will showcase the best types of flowers to plant in your garden to attract bees, along with their animal friends butterflies, bugs and birds. n Botbuilders Robotics: Build, code and play with robots at this exciting new activation all about robotics.

n Ag Drones: This display will show how drones are used in modern farming from spraying and aerial seeding to mapping. n UniSQ: University of Southern Queensland leads this eye-opening activation, which shows how technology as powerful as your smart phone can be used in agriculture to identify seed, invasive insects, best practices methods and alerts on crops. Fashion Queensland’s longest running fashion parade program – 31 years and counting – will for the first time feature a combination of dancers and models in a choreographed presentation of natural fibres fashion from across the state. This year’s program will showcase the journey from fibre to fashion in a stunning Enchanted Garden-themed runway, featuring 14 established and emerging Queensland designers plus a selection of student designs. The parades pay homage to Queensland-grown fibres in this year’s dreamy, nature-based Enchanted Garden theme. Queensland designers featuring in this year’s Natural Fibres Fashion Parades for the very first time include: n By Sisterly n Sorority n Lamington Avenue n TradeMutt n Analia the Label n Silk Laundry n Hipland n Cienti n House of Aya n Pinkpineapple n Sacha Drake n Zijde n Mannzilo n Darb Bridal Couture

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Food and Beverage For the first time in our 148-year history all food vendors at the Show will have a special value item plus a food and drink bundle on their menu. The special value menu items offered by more than 110 Ekka food vendors will be $10 or less, and the food and drink bundles will start from $7.50. New food outlets at the Ekka this year include: n CocoArt: Sample Instagram-worthy coconut puddings served up in coconut bowls. n Noodle Pimp: Have your humble noodle box pimped with wonton nachos or skewers of dumplings. n Belly Bao: East meets west when Belly Bao serves up their cheeseburger spring rolls. n Meatball Obsession: Brisbane institution Angelo’s Fresh Pasta, which has been serving pasta lovers since 1968, is behind this food venue serving up a mega-sized meatball sub. n Fruity Poppin: Serving glazed fruit, marshmallows and nuggets on a stick, so you can wander and enjoy the Show sights, while getting your fruity, sweet or savoury fix. n Ekka Tuck Shop: Making things more Ekka-nomical in 2024 is the Tuck Shopw, where you can grab savoury snacks on the go for less than $5. n Two Fat Indians: It’s a match made in heaven when Indian cuisine meets deep-fried deliciousness, with their butter chicken loaded fries. n HotTwist: Enjoy their Korean Cheese Coin Cake – a melted cheesy treat in the shape of a giant coin. n Dairy King Soft Serve: It’s ice cream with a twist – think decadent Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, Ice Cream Burgers and giant soft serves. n Royal Bakehouse: Tea and cakes taken to the next level with award- winning recipes from Cookery Competition contestants. n I Love Pasta: For great Italian food, you can't go pasta the gnocchi, rigatoni, spaghetti and more provided by Sydney Royal Show’s gold medal-winning pasta producers Bianco. New menu items to look out for at this year’s Ekka include: n Boom Burger: They’re back and this year they’re serving up Donut Burgers (meat patty, bacon and cheese between two Krispy Kremes) and Burger Cones – a waffle cone topped with bacon, meat patty and melted cheese. n Maddix: New twisted potato flavours include apple pie, cheezel and vegemite. n Xin Chao: For banh mi buffs, Xin Chao will be serving this up on foot- long baguettes. Night-time Entertainment n Crowd Canvas: This mind-blowing visual display puts EkkaNITES crowd members in the driver’s seat for the show, with guest’s phones used to create a moving visual canvas. n Ekka Drone Show presented by Drone Sky Shows: The night sky will provide the perfect canvas for the exciting drone display on People’s Day.

n Cobb & Co. 100 Years Colonial Muster presented by Dave Manchon: There will be plenty of old-world drama in the Main Arena when bush rangers stage a robbery with cowboy Dave Manchon to the rescue! Also playing a key role in this vision muster is an icon of yester-year, the Cobb & Co. stage coach. n Human Cannonball: Jaws will drop as Australia’s only Human Cannonball is fired from the mouth of the giant cannon and soar across the arena to land safely into an airbag. n Hovercraft: Two fully amphibious machines fly into the main arena on a cushion of air. n Tania Kernaghan: Country Music royalty will be

gracing the stage every night at this year’s Ekka, performing songs both old and new. Dance Cam: This year Dance Cam will feature much-loved songs from TINA, the Tina Turner Musical. Monster Truck: SkiTZ for the first time.

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Music n

Rides & Games n Rides: Coming soon n Games: Barnyard Buddies, Nitro Smash, Bug Splat and Jellycat Diner Showbags n Wizz Fizz Monster Munch Chocolate Bag - $5 n Mr Beast Feastables Bag - $15 n Wizz Fizz Super Sour Bag - $10 n Pokemon Jnr - $32 n Yummy Gummy - $6 n NBA Milwaukee Bucks - $36 n Big Pet Dog Bag - $20 n InStyle- $32 n Polly Waffle - $16 n Disney Wish - $30 n Ghostbusters - $20 n Sensory Bag - $15 n Allkinds Hey Vacay - $35 n Thomas the Tank Engine - $32 n Pusheen - $32 n Creative Junior - $25 n Snack Lovers - $10 n Fast and Furious - $32

Tania Kernaghan: The four-time Golden Guitar winner country star will be gracing the main arena every night at this year’s EkkaNITES, performing songs both old and new. n Reality Stars: The talented contestants from Channel 7’s Australian Idol and The Voice will be showcasing their vocals at the Ekka Gourmet Plaza. n Sarah Savannah: The 2023 Ekka Country Music Showdown Junior Winner returns for stage time at XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill. n Beth Lucas: The 2023Ekka Country Music Showdown Open Winner is behind the microphone once again at XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill stage. n Cush Ryder: This country rock artist’s sound blends New Country with Australian pub-rock on Friday 9 August. n Hillbilly Goats: The 2022 Australian Folk band of the Year, Golden Fiddle Recipients and four-time “Bluegrass” Golden Guitar finalists will take to the stage. n West Texas Crude: The award-winning and dynamic four-piece band will play everything from rockabilly to rhythm and blues. n Luke Combs Tribute Show: Playing all your favourite songs from this country music sensation. n The Filthy Animals: This ensemble features musicians from some of Australia’s most iconic bands including Wolfmother, The Vines, Choirboys and The Badloves.

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