EKKA CANCELLED
Brendan Christou Chief Executive anounced at noon today
EKKA Cancelled
Brendan Christou called a media briefing at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills at noon to announce cancelling of event, scheduled for August 7-16.
Ekka is in line with the Federal Government's restrictions on public gatherings, which limit public gatherings to two people.
The Queensland Government also announced on March 29 that it was considering setting up a temporary hospital at the Brisbane Showgrounds to treat COVID-19 patients, if there was overflow from hospitals.
(Brendan Christou Chief Executive at the RNA)
2020 Royal Queensland Show Cancelled
Plus update on Ekka beef competitions
Today the RNA announced it had made the decision to cancel the 2020 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in the best interests of public health.
Due to the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, increasing social distancing measures and public gathering restrictions being implemented, ensuring the health and safety of the Ekka community and the general public is paramount.
Despite the cancellation of the Show, many of our Ekka beef competitions will continue in some capacity.
We know our exhibitors spend months preparing for the Show and we thank you for the time and effort you have already put into preparing your animals for the Ekka. We are also mindful of the physical and financial resources that have been outlaid in preparation.
The RNA Beef Committee is committed to providing practical solutions to ensure these competitions can go ahead where possible, as we continue to navigate the biggest worldwide health crisis in generations.
Please see below an update on our Ekka beef competitions.
RNA Paddock to Palate Competition presented by JBS Australia
The nation’s richest beef competition of its kind with almost $65,000 in prize money on offer is currently in progress and will continue. This includes classes 37, 38, 40 & 39 (2019/20 Wagyu Challenge).
However, due to the public gathering restrictions, the Field Day that was scheduled for Tuesday 23 June has been cancelled. Further information regarding the presentation of awards will be provided closer to the completion of the weight gain phase, due to the ever-changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic recommendations and mandates advised by the Federal and State Governments.
The 2020/21 Wagyu Challenge will continue as planned, with entries closing in just two weeks on Friday 24 April. To enter now, please click here.
Prime Beef
The Prime Beef competition will continue, with the RNA Beef Committee currently exploring options for a suitable facility to conduct the competition.
More information will be provided to exhibitors in the coming weeks.
Led Steer
The RNA Beef Committee would again like to thank exhibitors for preparing entries for this year’s Ekka.
The Committee has been exploring all options for the Led Steer competition and has decided to run the Hook (carcass component) of the competition only.
The RNA Beef Committee is also exploring suitable regional venues to pick up cattle. Exhibitors will be advised of pick up locations in the coming weeks, once finalised.
Stud Beef
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Ekka, the Stud Beef competition will not proceed this year.
The RNA Beef Committee acknowledges the time, effort and money exhibitors have spent in preparing cattle for this year’s competition and would like to thank all exhibitors for their support during these very challenging and unprecedented times.
We will continue to update our valued beef cattle exhibitors regularly.
Thank you again for your support of Ekka. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Competitions team if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Gary Noller
RNA Beef Committee Chair
ONLY EIGHT MONTHS AGO THE LAST EKKA
