Ekka....

The Ekka used to be a "must do" each year. Now the common theme is "it's the same as last year, I'll take the public holiday anyway.”

If 8 out of 10 workers are in the service industry, then the rural showcase of the exhibition naturally has less desire. In my opinion, a few hours away from the computer and TV, and spent in the wool, beef and poultry pavilions instead, pays homage to the foundations of Queensland; our rural production.

The show is full of tradition with an exciting history. It has been going since 1854 and has missed in 1919 (Spanish Flu) and 1942 (WW2). Consider the Ernest Baynes Stand. Why is it so named?

Up in the Brisbane Valley in 1893 all the wildlife headed for the hills and the astute cattleman enquired of his aboriginal workers, the reason. BIG FLOOD COMING - With balmy weather it seemed far-fetched, however he moved his extensive herds to higher ground and warned his neighbours. When the rain began to belt down Baynes knew it was going to be bad and rode "hell for leather" to the North Pine to warn Brisbane. This ride entailed mountainous terrain via Esk, D'Aguilar and Mt Mee and what we now know as North Pine Country Park.

Brisbane in 1893 was flooded with loss of life, property and livestock, as his warnings were ignored like those of 1974.

Ernest Baynes made his fortune selling his "in" demand beef, at premium prices to the devastated Brisbane market. This was the beginning of a fortune that saw him own 50 Brisbane Butcher shops; and take over the main meat processing works at Queensport; purchase his own steamship "The Grazier" from William Collin to convey carcasses (from Colmslie to the South Brisbane Cold Stores - South Bank) and become president of the R.N.A.

So when next at the centre ring, take a long hard look at the Ernest Baynes stand. Consider the ongoing success of producing the best ham by local butcher Terry O’real.
Be wowed by the imposing ex museum building (home of the Queensland Youth Orchestra) on the corner of Gregory Terrace, the original display hall that, in 1920, King Edward VIII visited.

I recall walking up the rail tracks from Bowen Hills, with schoolmate, john Mole, and gaining free entry to the regular Saturday night speed car racing. I wagged school to see the English cricketers trounce Australia. Even got an autograph from ken Barrington. (Sir Donald Bradman played his first test in 1928 at the Ekka.

In short, if it was big, it was at the Ekka.

Thanks to Noel Field for some of the background information.

PETER CAMPBELL 0418 774 663
With years of local experience he can guide you through the highs and lows of the property market.

Thanks to Noel Field for the background information