Passion for shows founded in love of events & country life

Show advocates … Rowan and Ellie O’Hara met at the Ekka and their love for showcasing all things rural remains alive to this day.  

Shows are a massive part of life for the O’Hara family. Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society President Rowan O’Hara met his wife Ellie at the Ekka and both maintain a deep appreciation of the cultural and financial benefits shows bring to local communities.

Rowan said agricultural shows were quite unique in that they offered something for everyone, whether you wanted to volunteer, visit or take part in a contest. 

“The show is the only event in the community that absolutely anyone can be a part of,” he said. “Whether it be entering a cake, riding a horse, showing a chicken, entering a jam or a Lego piece everyone can join in. As the saying goes, there’s something for everyone. It really is across the ages and cultures and caters to all aspects of the community. 

“Shows also give back to all sectors of the community. Everyone who contributes reaps the benefits. People love to be connected and involved in this way and the local show is shaped so much by the community.”

Ellie said Shows were central to Rowan’s very being and his passion had grown with fatherhood. “To be able to contribute and bring together the community in a way that’s purely for the development of the community is so important to him,” she said. “I would say he has become even more passionate about contributing to the Show Society since becoming a father because he realises even more how important it is to give children an insight into farming and rural life.”

“It’s true, I have a passion for events and if I can come here in a regional peri-urban area and promote country life and persuade kids to go to Shows then I’m happy,” Rowan said.

“For many years shows were only for producers. It was very insulated. Now it’s a promotional window for people outside, into the world of agriculture and primary production. 

“Agriculture on the Sunshine Coast is becoming quite unique and niche and we can help showcase this evolution to a wide audience.”

Tickets for the June 10, 11, 12 event: www.sunshinecoastshow.com.au/tickets. Prices have been kept the same as last year: $20 for an adult or concession and $16 for a student. There’s a 20 percent discount if you purchase online. If you have queries, please see the website’s Frequently Asked Questions page: www.sunshinecoastshow.com.au/info/faq/.