September Newsletter

In this edition: AGM, New Executive Members, 121st Show Theme, Members Meet the Makers Events, Find out what drives our Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls & Cricks Nambour Foton deal.

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Our recent AGM celebrated the horse power behind our 120th Anniversary Show, the launch of our new Strategic Plan 2027-29 and Jasmine Bethell delivered her last financial report as she steps down as Treasurer to a Committee role.  We also welcome Mat Walker as our new Treasurer and Lee Corbett as our new Secretary. I would also like to thank outgoing Committee Member – Eddie Grey for his years of support and leading our marketing and website development over the last 8 years.  

For info on Mat and Lee, see their bio at: https://sunshinecoastshow.com.au/about-us/. We also released the new 2027 Show theme – ‘All roads lead to the Ag Show.’

What does the Rubik’s Cube, a Jigsaw and the SunnyCoast Ag Show have in common?

When it comes to putting on the Annual Show, we have so many volunteers and groups who work tirelessly behind the scenes in various precincts and sections – it’s like a massive jigsaw puzzle or Rubik’s Cube where everyone contributes to the ultimate outcome – we merely provide the outline.

THANK YOU to all those people who add colour and flair to the Show – we see you, we appreciate you, we value you!!   Thanks also to Chloe, Maya, Alex, Miley, Zane, Sam, Ellie, Liam and other patrons who left positive messages on the 2026 Community Message Board.

Key dates for your diary:

• New Member Day Out – Nutworks Yandina & Ginger Factory, Saturday 3rd October, 2026
• SCASS Trivia Night at the Montville Bowls Club Saturday 14th November, 2026
• Pre-Show Arts Event in the Main Pavilion: Wednesday evening, 9th June, 2027
• Date Claimer – the next SunnyCoast Ag Show is 11 -13th June, 2027 (our 121st Show)

Our Rural Ambassadors Liam and Kody accompanied GM, Mark Paddenburg as they headed to Sunshine & Sons (our major show sponsor) for their guided distillery tour with the crew from FAN. 

From the exceptional spirits and quality local ingredients to the massive metal holding tanks, the experience was both fascinating and informative. If you are looking for something to do on a weekend, we highly recommend taking a drive to check them out!  Open daily from 10 to 5pm, the Woombye venue is kid-friendly, dog-friendly, offers scenic hinterland views and great deals.

Business Awards – Food & Agribusiness sector shines

Congratulations to the 133 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalists, especially those in the Food & Agribusiness sector listed below (and goodluck Andy Coates, Amrita Park – our Show Mead Steward):  

Winners will be announced at the Gala Celebration Saturday 28 November.

Members day out (1) – Nutworks and Ginger Factory Meet the Makers Invite: 3/10/26 

Join the GM and 2026 Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls from 2:00-3:30 pm on Saturday 3rd October at Nutworks Yandina (mini factory tour starts at 2:30pm with Tracey Mills followed by Q&A, premium macadamia product sampling, musician as part of the open day). Members are welcome

 to bring friends and family. We will also take a quick look at the Ginger Factory (across the road) at about 3:00 pm.

Members day out (2) – Maleny Farmfest

Join the GM and our 2026 Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls at MalenyFarm Fest 2026 on Saturday, 21 November.  SCASS Meeting spot is the main front gate at 12noon or the show office at 12:30pm.  

Members and guests day out (3) – SCASS Trivia Night

This will be a great event run by our Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls

will be held on Saturday 14th November at the Montville Bowls Club – more details to follow.

What drives and motivates our 2026 Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls (and we would like to thank our sponsor for safely chaperoning the crew around the show – Cricks Nambour Foton).

Senior Showgirl Spotlight: Kayleigh McNeill Meet Kayleigh McNeill, our 2026 Senior Showgirl! A student Occupational Therapist working at The Compass Institute, Kayleigh brings both heart and dedication to our agricultural community. From showing her beloved miniature horses to volunteering at local events, her agricultural roots run deep—grounded in her extended family’s lucerne and seasonal produce farm in the Lockyer Valley. Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone “When I entered the Showgirl awards—honestly, on a whim—I had one goal: to prove to myself that anxiety doesn’t need to dictate my life,” Kayleigh shares. “I thought this would be a personal victory I’d quietly achieve over the show weekend. I was so wrong—it turned into something far bigger.”  Instead of a solitary challenge, Kayleigh found an overwhelming wave of connection and support from the show community. Where Health and Community Intersect Kayleigh’s journey with the show seamlessly connects with her future career. As an Occupational Therapy student, her studies center around how deeply community impacts a person’s social and emotional wellbeing. “Occupational therapy theory has shaped how I view the world—it’s all about reconnecting people to their community and meaningful occupations  after illness or injury,” Kayleigh explains. “During my time as Senior Showgirl, I’ve experienced that principle firsthand. Feeling part of something bigger than yourself and actively contributing locally is a powerful force on your mental health.” Reigniting the Agricultural Spark Like many young people balancing study and work, life had become hectic for Kayleigh in recent years. She was getting out to local shows with her miniature horses less often and felt her tie to agriculture fading. “I didn’t realise how much missing that connection was quietly impacting me,” she admits. “Through the SCASS community and this incredible role, my spark for agriculture has been completely reignited. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who share my passion and inspire me to advocate for this industry.” Now, Kayleigh wants to use her platform to encourage others across the region to step up, get involved, give back and experience the rewards of local volunteering.