As we approach the festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a successful year for the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society (SCASS) and our community. The 2025 Show provided a vibrant showcase for our competitors, entertainers, local producers and exhibitors – all showing strong passion and community spirit that defines our region. This year, our bustling showgrounds hosted record crowds, vendors and competitors – a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
A huge thank you and congratulations to every volunteer, competitor, steward, judge, exhibitor, performer, and sponsor who helped make our 2025 event a reality. You have not only entertained and educated but also strengthened the vital connection between Sunshine Coast agriculture and our wider community. We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together!
I would also like to recognise and thank my fellow management committee members and staff for making this year such a success:
- Vice President, Sam Stephens
- Treasurer, Jasmine Bethell
- Committee Members: Jenny McKay, Shane Astle, Eddie Grey, Annmarie Lawson, Roy Mientjes
- Secretary (and GM), Mark Paddenburg
- Staff / contractors: Penny Walsh and Melissa Green
Celebrating 120 Years of Show Traditions
Your Committee is busy planning for the milestone 2026 Show, themed: “Celebrating 120 Years of Show Traditions.” The theme honours the Show’s remarkable history, which first began in 1900, while setting the stage for a spectacular three-day event that looks confidently toward the future. Show President, Rowan O’Hara, said the 120th Show Anniversary provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on the deep history, community involvement and from our humble beginnings to now being recognised as one of the largest ticketed events on the Sunshine Coast.
“This theme, ‘Celebrating 120 Years of Show Traditions,’ is a heartfelt tribute to everyone who has walked through our gates and supported us since the first show.” said O’Hara.
There will also be some surprises next year as Jenny Mckay works her creative magic with the Sunshine Coast Council and local historians to capture snippets of the show’s history and evolution into a vibrant showreel to be launched in 2026..
Driving change for a better 2026 Show
Following our 2025 AGM in August, we have been driving change and implementing new initiatives including a schools video engagement competition, reviewing the show program and constitution, we have appointed an honorary Marketing and Communications professional – Luke Toohey, Managing Director, Seen Agency and established a Governance, Risk & Compliance Working Group.
Our Future Roadmap – Strategic survey now open and we welcome your feedback
We are focused on improving the value we offer our members and community, and ensuring the continued success of the Show for generations to come. We are in the process of developing a Strategic Plan and would like to invite you to complete a short 10–15 minute anonymous survey. Your feedback will help us:
- Understand what’s working well.
- Identify areas that could be even stronger.
- Explore the long-term challenges we need to address together.
Before you start the survey please take a look at the 12 Strategic Themes for easy reference. You may wish to print this or open in a split screen so you have it handy as you complete the survey via this Strategic Survey link.
Date Claimer:
The 2026 Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show will take place from 12 – 14 June 2026 at the Nambour Showgrounds with a special pre-show arts event on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026.
For more information about the 2026 Show use this link.
Further details on competition schedules, entertainment and trades will be released in the coming months. If you want to get involved to make our 120 Year Anniversary even better please reach out to Mark Paddenburg, GM on 0455 551 014 or 5441 2766.
A National Perspective
We would also like to acknowledge the important work happening at the state and national level by organisations like Queensland Ag Shows and AgShows Australia. The recent advocacy trip to Canberra reinforced the importance of agricultural shows nationally (around 590 each year). This work helps ensure the long-term support and viability for all shows.
Seasons Greetings – Wishing you a Blue Ribbon Christmas and a Champion New Year.
As the year draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our incredible members, patrons, volunteers, competitors, stewards, judges, and valued partners. I would also like to acknowledge our Major Sponsors: Sunshine & Sons and Butler McDermott Lawyers and please support all of our show sponsors.
Your passion, commitment and hard work are the backbone of the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show.
On behalf of the Committee, I wish you and your families a joyful Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year. May 2026 bring new opportunities, stronger connections, and continued growth for our magnificent Show Society.
Rowan O’Hara
President
