PASSIONATE rural ambassador Susan McDonald says she is absolutely thrilled to be joining the RNA council, saying the Ekka remains the single most powerful vehicle for connecting consumers with Queensland produced food and fibre.
Ms McDonald, who is the general manager of the hugely popular Super Butcher retail group, said the Royal Queensland Show or Ekka, as it is affectionately known, provided an exceptional platform to showcase the best Queensland had to offer.
“It’s such a big part of all our lives,” Ms McDonald said. “No matter what the age or generation there is something for everyone and most importantly it all links in to what a great job Queensland’s farmers and graziers are doing producing the world’s best food and fibre.
“The Ekka’s charter of competition, education and entertainment really works so well to make agriculture accessible to everyone. It really is everyone’s Ekka, and it really makes Queensland food and fibre matter.”
Ms McDonald replaces Ross Douglas, who has retired after 12 years of service to the RNA board. Mr Douglas was chairman of the Animal Boulevard, Education on Show and the Horse Breeds Expo committees. He has been involved in beef production and show societies for the past 40 years.
Ms McDonald is part of the Cloncurry-based beef producing McDonald family. She was educated on Mount Isa School of the Air before attending at boarding school in Brisbane, and studying commerce and economics at the University of Queensland. Ms McDonald also joined the Beef Australia board recently.