The Show will go on; and Mandates to be dropped April 14

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show at Nambour Showgrounds will go ahead as planned this year.

A fortnight ago, organisers faced the real possibility of cancelling or postponing the 2022 event because of the massive financial impact of State Government health mandates.

But Show Manager Penny Walsh on Sunday advised that the 2022 Show would go ahead as planned June 10-12 at Nambour Showgrounds.  

“The general members met last week and condoned the decision of the management committee unanimously,” said Ms Walsh.

“The impact of cancelling the show was too devastating on the Showman’s guild and the local community. And more than anything, after all the recent devastation, we want to bring something for the Sunshine Coast to look forward to.

“We sincerely hope that the Sunshine Coast will support us as we do our best to put on a Show.”

As it stood people had to be double-vaxed in order to attend a show on government-owned Showgrounds, even though it is largely an outdoor event.

Sunshine Coast Show President Rowan O’Hara said recently vaccine mandates placed increased pressure on security arrangements and lowered workforce, exhibitor and patronage numbers. 

Mr O’Hara questioned the consistency of contradictory rules that changed depending on the type of event. He said sports events and markets were allowed to go ahead at Showgrounds without vaccination status being noted. 

Mr O’Hara said stall holder numbers were down by 30 to 40 percent due to the vaccination mandates which were also having a big impact on entrant and competitor numbers. 

It is welcome news for the hinterland which is also gearing up for the Maleny Show on Friday and Saturday May 27 and 28.

UPDATE:

Queensland’s vaccination mandate is set to be lifted in most venues across the state, including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, showgrounds and more, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has confirmed.

It comes as the state recorded 9946 new cases of Covid-19 and eight deaths in the past 24 hours.

“The restrictions we had in place did their job,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

From 1am Thursday, April 14 most venues that have been open to only to vaccinated people, will be open to all including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, theme parks, cinemas, weddings, showgrounds, libraries and stadiums.