Jenny McKay reveals her love of Nambour's Show

Jenny McKay: “The show has been a part of my life for decades.”

Q&A with former Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society President Jenny McKay. 

• What does the Show mean to you? 

The show has been a part of my life for decades.  Until recently four generations of my family volunteered at the show.  My mother in her late 80s loved show time and anything that she could assist with from putting letters in envelopes to wiping up after the volunteers at Show time, provided her with invaluable mental and social benefits.

• How important is the Nambour Show for the community? 

Decades ago, the Nambour Show Committee looked to the future and renamed the Show the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show.  The Show is in Nambour but is the Agricultural show from “Coast to Country” on the Sunshine Coast.  Over 30 Community Groups from a wide range of interests volunteer and benefit financially from this event.  Funds raised by these groups then are invested into activities from support to research.  People are passionate about where their food comes from and this is a traditional platform to celebrate farmers and our food chain.  

• How does the local area benefit from having the Show? 

Communities benefit socially and economically from the Show.  A national study showed that local shows put millions into their local community and a show of our size provides a wide range of economic benefits from mechanics/fuel etc from side show alley guild members as Nambour is their last stop before heading to the far north Queensland. This is where they do their repairs etc. Many small businesses and individuals earn a part of their income from the event. It provides a strong platform for participation and that also provides social and mental health benefits.