Who we are
About Us
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show captures the Sunshine Coast region from the glistening coastline to the lush green hinterland and beyond. Behind the sand and grass lies a history steeped in sugarcane fields, rows of pine forests, pineapples and strawberries, and rich creamy milk and cheese from local dairies. The Show prides itself in highlighting the many facets of our region whilst providing affordable entertainment for the whole family. Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast in Nambour, on Coronation Avenue, the Show is easily accessible just off the Bruce Highway.
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is a cherished annual event that brings together the region’s rich farming heritage, vibrant community spirit, and love for all things rural. Since its inception in 1900, the show has been a platform for showcasing local agriculture, produce, arts, crafts, and entertainment, growing into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most anticipated traditions.
For over a century, the show has played a vital role in supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans while providing a space for the community to come together. With livestock exhibitions, equestrian events, fresh produce displays, and hands-on agricultural experiences, the show highlights the importance of primary industries in the region. In addition to its agricultural roots, it also celebrates the creativity and talents of local makers, performers, and young achievers through a variety of competitions and exhibitions.
Beyond the fun of thrilling rides, show bags, and live entertainment, the Sunshine Coast Show fosters education, connection, and appreciation for the region’s diverse industries. Generations of families have made lasting memories here, and it continues to inspire pride in the Sunshine Coast’s rural heritage while embracing new ideas and innovation. More than just a show—it’s a tradition that brings the community together year after year.
Meet the Team
Executive Committee
Rowan O'Hara
President
Rowan has been involved with the show movement for many years and has a wealth of experience. He is our Ring Master, entertainment coordinator and general overseer.
Sam Stephens
Vice President
Sam has been involved with shows for many years. He is a past president and knows the ins-and-outs of running a show. Sam is on the National Wool Board Committee and brings solid business knowledge to the show.
Jasmine Bethell
Treasurer
Jas is our astute treasurer who is also our spreadsheet queen. She brings a passion and enthusiasm for the show, as well as a deep understanding of the issues faced by many patrons who may suffer from disability issues when coming to such an event.
Mark Paddenburg
General Manager
Mark is the Company Secretary and GM. His strengths are in business development, strategy, collaboration and growing community connections. Mark has always loved attending ag shows and his role is to continue to build on the successful 125 year show legacy.
Management Committee
Jenny McKay
Sponsorship Coordinator
Jenny McKay has been part of the Society Committee for the past 25 years and was a long serving Show President. She has a strong passion for the Show and loves sharing the importance of Agricultural Shows to our community. Jenny rallied Local Council, State and Federal Parliament for funding for Show Societies. She is a power house of ideas and connections and is the Head Steward for the Main Pavilion as well as show representative in many areas outside of the Show.
Shane Astle
Grounds
Shane has been a backbone of the show for many years. He is our friendly grounds layout expert and basically lives on site throughout the running of the show each year.
AnnMarie Lawson
Management Committee and Show Horse Steward
AnnMarie is our Head Show Horse Steward and is in charge of the largest section of the Show. She works tirelessly to make sure that the Horse competition flows without a hitch.
In her spare time, she also sits on the Show Management Committee working behind the scenes to bring the Show alive each year.
Eddie Grey
Marketing & Brand Coordinator
Eddie has youth and a new fresh perspective for the committee while happily challenging traditional ideas. He is tech savvy and is gradually bringing some of our business practices into the new century.
Support Staff
Penny Walsh
Office Manager
Penny has been part of the show since working parking at Crushers Park with the Air Forces Cadets in 2009. She transitioned into the role of Show Office Manager in 2018. Penny was a long-time resident of Nambour and has many local connections which help the show grow and thrive.
Melissa Green
Accounts / Exhibitor Coordinator
Melissa took on the role of Exhibitor/ Trade stall Coordinator in 2018 and has had many great ideas since which has made the Show even more successful. She brings great energy and commitment and helps make the show bigger and better each year. In her spare time she also keeps a close eye on the books.
Patrons
Mrs. Norma Rick
First attending the local Show in 1963, Norma Rick became hooked and has been part of the Show scene ever since. Norma represented the Show Society at the Showgrounds User’s group meetings, and with husband Gordon, until recently, spent years working behind the scenes to bring a Show to the Nambour Region.
Showgirls & Rural Ambassadors
Catherine McGovern
Catherine is a dairy farmhand at River Ridge Dairies, where she helps milk 250 cows each day, she is an active show volunteer, former girl guide who loves a challenge and enjoys working with machinery, connecting with the local community and also enjoys helping her parents with home renovations.
Kayleigh McNeil
Kayleigh is a student Occupational Therapist working at The Compass Institute and loves showing miniature horses and volunteering at the show. Kayleigh’s extended family are lucerne and seasonal produce farmers from the Lockyer Valley, giving her the opportunity to be directly involved in agriculture from a young age and this continues to drive her passion for the sector.
Kody Coceancic
Kody is a dedicated Burnside State High School student, active show volunteer, passionate ambassador for locally grown produce, he works part time in the retail sector, he participates in musicals and other local events i.e. school representative at he annual ANZAC dawn service.
Liam Kment
Liam is a successful TAFE student (Certificate 3: Education), Community Stage Show Announcer and committed volunteer, member of various community groups and he’s absolutely passionate about supporting local producers via the show and as an active leader of the local Nambour Markets (open every Thursday – make sure you say hello to Liam and the crew).
Stewards & Judges
AnnMarie Lawson
Management Committee and Show Horse Steward
AnnMarie is our Head Show Horse Steward and is in charge of the largest section of the Show. She works tirelessly to make sure that the Horse competition flows without a hitch.
In her spare time, she also sits on the Show Management Committee working behind the scenes to bring the Show alive each year.
Blake Coomber
Ring 3
Bob Ward
Judge
Cameron Morris
Eggs, Poultry
Cameron has a deep love of all things Poultry. He is also keen to build the younger generation’s interest in keeping, breeding and judging poultry.
Cathy Young
Ring 3, Ring 4
Coming to the South from Townsville, Cathy brings years of experience with her.
Chantelle Fogarty
Miniature Horses
Chris McLoughlin
Judge
Darren & Michelle Dangerfield
Eggs, Poultry
Gavin Scur
Judge
Gavin leads Piñata Farms, managing four crops on more than 1000 hectares, and a seasonal workforce of some 200 people at any given time spread across seven farm locations stretching from Darwin to Hobart.
Gayle Currie
Judge
Glenn Reeves
Judge
Graeme Watts
Official Course Setter
Graeme Watts is a legendary Australian equestrian official and 3-star FEI course designer who has shaped the sport of show jumping for over 50 years. He has served as a National Olympic Selector for nearly three decades and oversaw the arena at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Today, he continues to design dozens of elite courses each year while mentoring the next generation of horse riders and builders.
Graham Brown
Judge
Helen Perry
Wearable Art
Jackie Gasson
Judge
James Stickland
Open Section
Jenny Brierley
Judge
Jenny McKay
Sponsorship Coordinator
Jenny McKay has been part of the Society Committee for the past 25 years and was a long serving Show President. She has a strong passion for the Show and loves sharing the importance of Agricultural Shows to our community. Jenny rallied Local Council, State and Federal Parliament for funding for Show Societies. She is a power house of ideas and connections and is the Head Steward for the Main Pavilion as well as show representative in many areas outside of the Show.
Joy Grealey
Junior Sections
Kent Roberts
Chief Steward
Kevin Ludwig
Judge
Laura Colthup
Ring 3, Ring 4, Beginner & disability
Lee Grant
Crochet Items
Lyn Michell
Judge
Maddie Graham
Official Ring
Meryll Muller
Junior Sections
Michael and Viviane Rowlands
Judge
Patricia Morrison
Iced Cakes
Ralph Brown
Judge
Rick Whalley
Unofficial Ring - Course Setter
Sam Stephens
Vice President
Sam has been involved with shows for many years. He is a past president and knows the ins-and-outs of running a show. Sam is on the National Wool Board Committee and brings solid business knowledge to the show.
Steven Jeffers
Chief Steward
Sue Dodds
Quilts
Sylvia Rapier
Judge
Tammy Dunlop
Ring 5
Toni Poole
Miniature Horses
Wendy Roe
Wearable Art
- Festival Director: She helps run the Australian Wearable Art Festival, which is a massive runway show that treats the human body as a moving canvas. It features incredible, sculptural garments made by artists from all over the world.
- Curator and Speaker: She acts as a curator for the festival and frequently serves as a guest speaker for regional art galleries to talk about textile arts and the journey of women in design.
