Community shows its support for Scenic Rim’s Ekka public holiday

Scenic Rim Regional Council will nominate Monday 14 August 2023 as the region’s public holiday for the Royal Queensland Show, better known as the Ekka, following community feedback.

At its Ordinary Meeting yesterday, Council endorsed the recommendation that the first Monday of the Royal Queensland Show be the preferred public holiday for the Scenic Rim region from 2023 onwards.

Mayor Greg Christensen thanked members of the community for their participation in a brief survey, conducted in May through the Let’s Talk Scenic Rim online engagement platform, that had helped inform Council’s decision.

“Monday in the first week of the Ekka has traditionally been the Scenic Rim’s show holiday and this was the day preferred by most respondents to the survey,” Mayor Christensen said.

The 2022 Royal Queensland Show runs from Saturday 6 August to Sunday 14 August, with the Scenic Rim’s Ekka holiday set down for Monday 8 August.

“For a region whose local economy is underpinned by agriculture, the Ekka has special significance for the Scenic Rim,” Mayor Christensen said.

“Many of our farmers, graziers and members of the equestrian community are involved in the show and, for many families and school children, it is a highlight of the year.

“The Ekka takes rural Queensland to the heart of Brisbane and the public holiday enables families to enjoy the show together.”

“Scenic Rim residents who are looking forward to next month's Ekka day off can now mark their calendars for next year's show holiday as well,” Mayor Christensen said.