The 150th anniversary of the Royal Queensland Show was one for the history books. Over nine action-packed days, hundreds of thousands of Ekka-goers gathered at the Brisbane Showgrounds to enjoy iconic traditions, from high-energy side-show alley rides and famous strawberry sundaes to world-class agricultural displays. Behind the scenes, and right in the heart of the bustling crowds, was the incredible team from St John Queensland Event Health Services (EHS).
Keeping a landmark event of this magnitude running safely takes extraordinary coordination, planning, and teamwork. This year, our local Queensland crew was bolstered by dedicated volunteers who travelled interstate from the Northern Territory and Victoria to lend their support. Working side-by-side, this multi-state team brought incredible clinical depth to the showgrounds, uniting registered nurses, paramedics, doctors, advanced responders, and trained volunteer first-aid officers.
Whether managing high-traffic first aid posts or conducting mobile foot patrols through dense crowds, our volunteers delivered compassionate, high-quality care every single hour of the show. Over the course of the event, our medical teams handled a wide range of situations, from treating minor cuts, scraped knees, and blistered feet to managing heat-related illness and complex acute medical emergencies. No matter the situation, their calm, expert presence ensured families could focus on enjoying the festivities with complete peace of mind.
Alongside our vital clinical operations, St John Queensland maintained an interactive community stand inside the Agricultural Education Hall throughout the nine-day show. Visitors stopped by our display to connect with our team, restock their first aid kits, and see live demonstrations of portable pocket AEDs. It served as a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with both rural and urban communities, sharing practical advice to help everyday Queenslanders build emergency readiness in their homes and workplaces.
Reflecting on the monumental effort behind the scenes, State Operations Manager James O’Brien shared his heartfelt gratitude for the team’s unwavering dedication:
“A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers who gave so generously of their time at the EKKA. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Your support, energy and dedication helped make it such a wonderful experience, and we are truly lucky to have such an amazing team of people behind us. Thank you!”
Staging a successful medical response at Queensland's largest annual event relies not only on those on the frontlines, but also on the tireless work of our logistics, communications, and administrative support teams who kept operations moving seamlessly behind the scenes.
To every clinician, volunteer, and support staff member who gave up their time, worked long hours on their feet, and represented St John with empathy, professionalism, and expertise: thank you. Your commitment and selflessness ensured the historic 150th Ekka was safe, vibrant, and memorable for everyone who attended.
