Tens of thousands flocked to Rocky Show

Published on 17 June 2019

Rocky show.jpg

The 2019 Rockhampton Agricultural Show has proved to be a major success, attracting 40,622 visitors over three days.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the community has well and truly supported this year’s event, and visitor numbers were up a massive 67% on the last time the full show was together in 2017.

“A lot of people worked very hard to make the pieces come together, with the goal of returning excitement to our wonderful Agricultural Show, and I think it’s safe to say we were successful!” said Mayor Strelow.

“On Thursday alone we saw 23,000 people come through the Show gates, which is almost as many as attended the full three-day show when it was last ‘together’ two years ago.

“That’s an incredible figure on its own, but even more impressive when you consider that’s more than one quarter of the Rockhampton Region’s population. Clearly we had visitors from the broader region who joined us and help to make the numbers so impressive. 

“I took great delight in noticing the numbers of families who attended on People’s Day. There were big family groups, who were all big winners with our five dollar entry fee. 

“Rockhampton Regional Council understood the importance of getting it right when we made the decision to take over the Show, and we knew that with the help of the community we could bring back the event our region deserves.

“I really want to thank everyone who worked so hard to create such a spectacular event.

“Council appointed a small team of people to bring the event together and to work with over 100 volunteers.

“Every member of the team, Council, committees, and volunteers played a part in the overall success. And I need to thank the sponsors and businesses who rolled up their sleeves alongside us. 

“The Show Committee was appointed by Council and comprised of Tony Cullen from Advance Rockhampton as Chair assisted by Rod Green, Councillor Ellen Smith, Peter Curtis, and Zac Garven. 

“The team at Advance Rockhampton pulled out all stops to deliver your Show, with other units of Council chipping in closer to the big event.”

Advance Rockhampton General Manager Tony Cullen said that his team worked incredibly hard to help deliver such a great event.

“The work involved was absolutely worth it to be able to walk around the Show and see everyone enjoying all of the rides, entertainment, and competitions,” said Mr Cullen.

“It was a wonderful event that brought visitors to the Region, and really showed off what our community has to offer.”

Mayor Strelow said she was proud to see the whole team of Council pulling together with the community.

“It has reinforced to me the importance of Council staying deeply involved to protect and develop this major showcase event.”