Al the alpaca and Tayla Porter, from Ottaba Llamas, were making new friends at the Nanango Show
April 24, 2026
The Heritage Bank Nanango 117th Show had everything a visitor could want … animals (of all sorts), exciting action (trots, barrel racing, a rodeo), amusement rides and fireworks!
But there was also a very serious message shared with the large crowd by former South Burnett mayor Keith Campbell OAM.
Mr Campbell, who officially opened the annual event, said rural shows were an opportunity to celebrate agriculture, thank farmers and tell “the story of our land”.
He thanked Show Society president Les Schloss and all the volunteers who made the show possible; and praised the displays by schoolchildren which represented the future of agriculture.
But he said it would remiss of him if he did not also speak about the challenges currently facing farmers.
“Many are under increasing pressure from factors beyond their control – droughts, floods; rising fuel, fertiliser and input costs; and commodity prices that do not keep pace with those costs,” Mr Campbell said.
“Layered on top of this is the growing volume of imported food products, many of which could be grown and processed here in Australia.”
We should not be relying on other countries to feed Australians, he said, “when we can grow the produce right here in Australia, right here in the South Burnett”.
“We must stand with our farmers and support Australian-grown food wherever possible,” he said.
“So let us celebrate what is on display at the Nanango Show, acknowledge the realities facing agriculture and reaffirm our commitment to those who feed us.”
Nanango State School students Courtney, 5, and Charlotte Black, 7, were looking over the displays from their classmates in the pavilionTaking a break from all the activities were Mary De Zilva, from Blenheim; Dean Stephen, from Buaraba; and Tracey Prenner, Googa CreekSteward Rochelle Nitschke, from Nanango, with judge Mal McDougall, from Bundaberg, looking over the entries in the caged birds sectionCraig Lucas, from Kingaroy, with his Grand Champion budgerigar which was also sashed Reserve Grand Champion Bird of the ShowNanango residents Ange Stibbard, Kerri Green and Doreen Scrimshaw were looking over the floral displays in the pavilionGathered before the show opening were South Burnett Deputy Mayor Linda Little, Mayor Kathy Duff, 2026 Nanango Rural Ambassador Jordan Wilson, Cr Jane Erkens, Cr Heath Sander and Cr Ros Heit (Photo: Ros Heit)Nanango residents Lee-anne Pumpa and Nicky Deluca had entries in the pavilion … Lee-anne entered a painting while Nicky submitted a quiltDean “Mr Yipadee” O’Brien was entertaining the kids … with a bit of help from audience members!Bec Moyses and Anne Wendt were working hard in the show canteenSouth Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff with Nanango Show volunteer Reg WebbThe official party at the opening by former Mayor Keith Campbell included Nanango Showgirl Violet Black, Miss Teen Showgirl Emmy Perrett, Miss Junior Showgirl Nelly Jackson and Rural Ambassador Jordan Wilson (Photo: Ros Heit)The winning dais of the 250mm Standing Block Handicap … axemen Jamie Retschlag, Kilcoy, 3rd; winner Ryan Aldridge, Harlin; and Gary Adamson, Woodford, 2ndThe barrel racing action was fast and furious in the Len Bochmann Arena at the showgroundsThe trotting heats and final are always a popular part of the Nanango Show (Photo: Ros Heit)Tina Torrens, at back, with QEMS Event Services members Bronte Dawson, Drew Richbell and Bev Dobson … Tina was recording show activities on behalf of major sponsor Heritage Bank Community Branch NanangoA matching pair of UK “babies” … A 1966 Mini Minor ute and 1929 Austin 7Proston P-10 State School entered another large team in the cattle competitionsGus Haynes, from River Run Charolais at Linville; and Brent Evans, from Jen Daview Limousins at Kingaroy, were busy discussing cattleLEFT: Heather Mourilyan, from Lockyer Waters, and judge Amy Dexter, from Pittsworth, with the perpetual trophy for the Supreme Exhibit of the annual Dexter Cattle Show RIGHT: Louise Ball, from Cootamundra, with the Supreme Exhibit, “Carragheen Up’N Coming”Troy Nuttridge, from TLC Fitting Service, with “Raff Top Gun” from Goldenfels Angus at Gatton who was named Senior Champion British Bull and Grand Champion BullGloria Berry, from Murgon, took home the Grand Champion Exhibit ribbon for this incredible Decorated Cake
