Queensland Garden Show celebrates 40 years of community engagement

Marion Beazley, organiser of the Queensland Garden Show, brought a vibrant account of the event’s heritage and local significance to the recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch-up at Mill Street Kitchen and Pantry.

“We are the largest annual event on the Sunshine Coast,” she said, recalling that last year marked the 40th anniversary.

“We’ve changed our name from Queensland Garden Expo to Queensland Garden Show – a tiny change that signals we’re moving forward,” Marion said.

She emphasised the event’s local roots.

“Even though 65% of our visitors come from outside the region, we remain very locally focused.”

Marion detailed how the show worked closely with 14 community groups and local suppliers: “If we could source it locally, we do.”

This approach, she said, generated an impressive economic impact of about $11–$12 million every year. Marion’s upbeat tone conveyed the pride of being part of the longstanding community event which is the second biggest flower show in Australia.

“Nambour and gardeners are pretty crazy people – they’ll travel from one end of the world just to get a plant that nobody else has got,” she said.

“I love working in this community and watching the show grow year after year.”

Marion invited everyone, once again, to join the festivities scheduled for July 11–13 at the Nambour Showgrounds.

“It’s an event that truly puts Nambour on the map.”

Marion Beazley “Nambour and gardeners are pretty crazy people – they’ll travel from one end of the world just to get a plant that nobody else has got.”