RNA Future Directions Committee

As we bid farewell to Jess as FDC Chair we’re excited to announce our new incoming FDC leadership team - Shaun Sandilands (Shaun Marmaduke Sandilands ) will be taking on the role of Chair with Aleacea Nixon (Aleacea Nixon) taking on the role as Deputy Chair.

Between Shaun & Aleacea they have over 15 years of experience with the FDC and we can’t wait to see what these two can bring to their roles. We know both Shaun & Aleacea are already busy planning 25 year celebrations and some exciting new adventures for the FDC in 2027.

Tonight we would like to say a massive thank you to outgoing FDC Chair Jessica Morel. Jess has been a member of the FDC for the past 11 years and has been Chair for the last two.

Jess, thank you for all your amazing work and leadership over the past 11 years. You have been an inspiration to many, and we can’t wait to see where you’ll land for future endeavours.

Day 8 saw members of the FDC host the inaugural Ekka Buttonhole Masterclass. Brainchild of the Ekka floristry HSC Richard Christensen and our Deputy Chair Shaun Sandilands, this event was definitely a crowd favourite.

Originally intending for between 20-30 entrants this masterclass ended up educating 70 people on how to make the perfect buttonhole. As you can see it was all hands on deck with members of the FDC becoming floral experts towards the end. Massive thanks to Megs and Richard from Flowers By Richard Anthony for their amazing support and allowing us to make this a reality.

Standby by for a bigger and better version of the masterclass in 2027!

This day 25 years ago the RNA Future Directions Committee (FDC) met for the first time at the 2001 .

25 years on, and the committee is thriving, looking after several competition classes and several RNA initiatives. From 2026 and until 2027 the RNA FDC will be celebrating 25 years of helping to create change at the Royal Queensland Show.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Ekka Gala! What a night… over 380 people, all celebrating the opening night of Ekka. Big shout out to everyone who supported our raffle, auction and yabbie race, your donations help us to make a difference with Outback Futures .

Finally a massive shout to Somerville House for their amazing support and sponsorship in brining this event alive.

Keep an 👀 out for the highlights reel and album drop. 💃🥂

Congrats to our very own Jess 🎶 who took out the best tasting Rocky Road in this years FDC Class. Jess has been finessing her recipe for years and it’s so great she finally won and on her birthday! Great work Jess! 🥇🏆

It was a hive of activity at Ｂｒｉｓｂａｎｅ Ｓｈｏｗｇｒｏｕｎｄｓ✨ today with the 2026 Apiary Judging underway. You can see these and all the award winning honey entries in the back of the Ag Hall, every day of the show! Not long to go now until the Ekka. 🐝 🍯

Last chance to apply for the 2026 Qld Young Farmer Challenge Presented by . If you want to have some fun, get free entry to the Ekka and possibly complete in the National Finals well we want you! All details can be found in the link in the bio!

The countdown is on!

In just 4 weeks, the epic Ekka Gala returns!

On Saturday 8 August, we’ll be celebrating a remarkable 150 years of Ekka. Expect live music, dancing, raffles, and more!

Dress up in your suit, tie or favourite cocktail outfit and join us for a night of fun, fundraising and celebration.

🎟️ Early Bird tickets available now! Link in bio.

OutbackFutures QueenslandEvents

So proud of our very own Aleacea Nixon. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼