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.  He is a prominent leader in the regional agricultural show movement. With a diverse professional background spanning pineapple farming, cattle yards, diesel fitting, and wholesale agricultural machinery sales, he brings extensive industry experience to his role. Under his leadership, the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show has seen significant growth and record-breaking attendance.
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.
Mat Walker
Treasurer
Lee Corbett
Secretary
Lee, a Show Life Member, steps back into the role of secretary and onto the Committee after a hiatus of a number of years. She has been involved in the show for many years, in various capacities, from office manager to community stage and grand parade co-ordinator, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Committee.
Management Committee
Roy Mientjes
Committee Member
Roy has been part of the Show for the past number of years and is heavily involved with the Light Horse.
He brings a wealth of knowledge in traffic movement, safety, and security to the board.
Roy also assists in the Show Horse Ring, and is the Stable Steward.
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.
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.
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.
Jasmine Bethell
Committee Member
Jas is our immediate past Treasurer, and 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.
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
Junior Rural Ambassador
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.
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.
Chris McLoughlin
Steward - Writing
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.
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.
Kent Roberts
Chief Steward
Maddie Graham
Official Ring
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.
