It's Ekka Time – Celebrating 150 Years of Queensland's Greatest Show

There's something special about this time of year in Queensland – it's Ekka time! 

The Royal Queensland Show was originally known as the Brisbane Exhibition, and over time Queenslanders affectionately shortened "Exhibition" to "Ekka." The nickname has been used for well over a century and is now far more commonly used than the official name.

For 150 years, the Royal Queensland Show has brought together city and country, celebrating the very best of Queensland agriculture, food, fibre and community. It's a wonderful reminder of where so much of what we enjoy every day begins – on the land.

For Merino Country owners Kerrie and Mal, the Ekka is much more than an annual event – it's part of their story. Both grew up in the Queensland bush and have travelled to Brisbane for the Ekka since they were children. In fact, they first met in the legendary Stockman's Bar at the Ekka and, fittingly, were married during Ekka week! It's fair to say the Ekka has helped shape not only their business journey, but their personal one as well.

Merino Country's own Ekka story began over 30 years ago when we first exhibited in the John Reid Pavilion in 1994, introducing visitors to the benefits of Australian-made Merino wool clothing. In 1997 and 1998, Kerrie had the privilege of coordinating the famous Ekka Wool Parades, helping showcase the versatility and beauty of Australian wool to thousands of visitors.

This year we're delighted to continue that connection in several special ways.

We're honoured to have created an embroidered square for the Queensland Spinners, Weavers & Natural Fibres Group community quilt, in conjunction with ABC Radio Queensland, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Ekka. Our square tells the story of Queensland wool – featuring a windmill and sheep, with a strand of yarn leading to a model wearing a dress made from our fabric, symbolising the journey from fleece to finished garment, with the background of the colours of the earth and sky in Merino.

The finished quilt is on display in the Ekka 150 – From the Ground Up Exhibition, upstairs in the 7NEWS Community Pavilion throughout the 2026 Ekka.

We're also proud to support the 2026 RNA High Tea Fundraiser, donating a Merino Country prize for the raffle. The event raises funds for the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA) and Storyfest South West, while giving guests a special preview of this year's Ekka Natural Fibre Parades.

The Ekka has always been about bringing country and city together, celebrating our farmers, our makers and the industries that keep regional Australia thriving. It's also a reminder of the importance of supporting locally grown food and fibre. Every Australian wool garment begins with the hard work of our woolgrowers before passing through the hands of skilled Australian manufacturers who transform this remarkable natural fibre into clothing that's made to last.

As we celebrate 150 years of the Ekka, we're proud to continue playing a small part in its story - and grateful that the show which has meant so much to our family continues to celebrate the very best of Queensland and Australian agriculture.

Visiting Brisbane during the Ekka? We'd love to see you! Our Merino Country showroom will be open throughout the Ekka, including the Show Day public holidays, so feel free to drop in and say hello.

Please note that we will be closed on Friday, 14th August.

Whether you're heading to the showgrounds or exploring Brisbane, we wish everyone a wonderful Ekka and thank you for supporting Australian-grown wool and Australian-made products.