Meet the dedicated team behind 9,000 Ekka showbags

As Brisbane families prepare to enjoy the 150th Royal Queensland Show, a team of supported employees at Help Enterprises is working behind the scenes to help bring one of the Ekka’s most beloved traditions to life.

For the 11^th consecutive year, the team at Help’s Eagle Farm site are packing and preparing more than 9,000 showbags in the lead-up to opening day.

The project is one of many commercial contracts undertaken by Help’s supported employees, providing meaningful paid employment opportunities for people with disability while helping them develop workplace skills, build confidence and contribute to an event that connects communities across Queensland.

Help Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Steve Wyborn said the annual project demonstrates how commercial partnerships can create positive social outcomes.

“The Ekka is all about bringing people together and creating great memories. Knowing that our team is playing a small part in that is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Mr Wyborn said. “It’s great to showcase how commercial partnerships like this one can create social impact by supporting people with disability to achieve their employment goals.”

Over the decade, Help’s team has packed around 75,000 showbags, reflecting a longstanding partnership built on trust and quality service.

The project also gives employees a unique connection to the wider community, with many taking pride in seeing Ekka visitors carrying the showbags they helped pack and prepare.

Supported employee Naomi said being involved in the annual project was a fun and rewarding experience.

“When I see people carrying their showbags at the Ekka, it makes me proud to know I helped pack them,” they said. “It’s special because we know the work we do helps create a great experience for the community.”

Mr Wyborn said Help is grateful for the trust built through long-standing partnerships that have enabled the team to support the Ekka for so long.

“We want people to know that inclusive employment creates an important opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities. Our team consistently delivers high-quality outcomes, and this partnership shows what’s possible when organisations invest in inclusive employment.”

While the Ekka showbag project is a seasonal contract, Help’s supported employees continue to work across a range of commercial projects throughout the year.