Keith McRobert has received the highest honour of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) – the 2024 Ekka Legend Award.
One of only 18 “legends” since the title was introduced in 2004, Mr McRobert’s association with Ekka spans 70 years, including 33 years as a Beef Week ring announcer.
“I’m a bit embarrassed by it actually because there are a lot of other people around the Exhibition who do so much,” Mr McRobert, 82, told Queensland Farmer Today.
“I just go out there, pick up a microphone and make a bit of noise.
“But, I am grateful for the honour, absolutely.
“I call the Exhibition my annual general meeting. I love the whole thing, the atmosphere and catching up with a lot of people once a year.
“I love to go, getting out amongst the livestock and the people.
“I get to talk to farmers and find out how they’re going, how their seasons are going. The Bush, it’s a funny old place and there’s always plenty of news to share.”
Mr McRobert was born and bred in Oakey on the Darling Downs where his father managed the butter factory and his mother worked for a stock and station agent.
At 16 he began work in the dispatch department for Australian Estates, firstly in Brisbane before he was transferred to Roma and around the south west.
In 1963, he earned his auctioneer’s licence at 21 in Charleville then moved to Dalgety, then to Toogoolawah before selling at Cannon Hill alongside the well-known Stan Wallace.
“I’ve been around a bit!”
Mr McRobert’s first involvement with the Ekka was when he was 12, exhibiting dairy cattle.
But, it was during a break from his life as a stock and station agent and stud stock auctioneer in the mid-1980s that his role at the show became more formal.
While working in the Queensland office of the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation (the forerunner to Meat and Livestock Australia), his boss suggested to the RNA they should take photos of the led steers to display on carcasses in the meat hall.
Mr McRobert took the photos before progressing to RNA stewarding and honorary council steward roles in the show’s beef competitions, particularly in the Santa Gertrudis ring.
He then settled into the role of announcing the Champion of Champions in Ekka Beef Week for 33 years.
And, since 2009, has led the Parades of Livestock around the ring in the main arena both at the conclusion of the beef cattle judging and during the Grand Parade on People’s Day.
He also donates his time as one of the leading auctioneers at the annual Stewards Charity Auction on Ekka Friday, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
RNA president David Thomas announced Mr McRobert’s elevation to 2024 Ekka Legend at a reception at the Brisbane Showgrounds last month.
He said the award was bestowed on those who had made a remarkable contribution to the show.
“Keith McRobert has been an integral part of Ekka for an incredible 70-plus years,’’ Mr Thomas said.
“The voice of Ekka Beef Week has been a mainstay of the show’s Beef competitions.
“The Ekka’s Stud Beef and Led Steer Rings are highly regarded competitions and Keith McRobert has been instrumental in maintaining this excellence.”
Mr Thomas said Mr McRobert’s voice, which is synonymous with the Santa Gertrudis ring and Champion of Champions Judging, signals the arrival of Ekka each year.
“Not only has Keith run the beef competitions to the highest standard but he has mentored new stewards and given much of his time at philanthropic Ekka events,’’ Mr Thomas said.
“Remarkably Keith has barely missed one Ekka in almost 82 years – it is his cherished place where he connects with family and friends.
“We honour and thank Keith McRobert for his long term and invaluable contribution to the Royal Queensland Show over many years.”
