Beef Australia’s 2024 event, Beef2024, has been awarded gold in the Major Festivals and Events category and the Excellence in Food Tourism category at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The prestigious awards are the pinnacle of excellence in Queensland’s tourism industry, celebrating exceptional industry accomplishments, and honouring the finest individuals, businesses, and events across Queensland.
Beef Australia was awarded gold in the Major Festivals and Events category for Beef2024, recognising the event’s ability to enhance the profile and appeal of Rockhampton as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement.
Beef Australia was also awarded GOLD in the Excellence in Food Tourism category for Beef2024, celebrating the event’s accomplishment in showcasing Australia’s beef industry and promoting food tourism.
Beef Australia Chairman Bryce Camm said both award wins reflect Beef Australia’s ability to generate economic activity for Queensland.
“Beef2024 has been recognised as Queensland’s top major event and a key player in food tourism at the State’s premier tourism awards, highlighting the vital role Beef Australia’s triennial event plays in the State’s economy,” Mr Camm said.
“This year Beef2024 set new records, creating a direct and incremental expenditure impact for the Greater Rockhampton Region of $102.0 million, and $69.6 million for Queensland’s economy.
“The event also generated a value-added impact of $92 million for the Greater Rockhampton Region, supporting 721 full-time equivalent jobs, and resulted in 163,120 visitor nights generated across Queensland.
“Beef Australia is much more than an event; it is a celebration of our beef industry, a catalyst for regional economic development, and a key contributor to the growth of tourism in Queensland.
“We are extremely proud to win this award, which reflects the hard work and dedication of all who make this event possible – our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, competitors, exhibitors, staff, fellow board directors, and our guests.”
Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said both awards cement Beef Australia’s position as one of Queensland’s most celebrated and iconic events attracting global audiences.
“Over 125,000 walked through the gates at Beef2024 with 62 per cent of individuals coming from outside the Greater Rockhampton Region,” Mr Irwin said.
“The size and complexity of the event are outstanding; with 276 ticketed events and over 300 free events, 4,509 cattle entrants, 617 registered international delates from across 39 countries and a further 1,200 international visitors attending the event, 5,133 school students, 604 trade sites, 10 celebrity chefs, 34 food vendors and 3 onsite restaurants, 35 entertainers, 65 seminars and tech talks, 17 property tours and 200 volunteers, the event is truly like no other in Queensland.
“And for those who couldn’t make the iconic event, our Beef TV program reached over 79,000 people with 60 per cent of those viewers from overseas.
“We also focus on showcasing Australia’s beef industry through food – from live cooking demonstrations and farm tours to showcasing local beef producers and supporting local restaurants with beef on the menu, we are honoured to be recognised for being a key player in promoting food tourism.
“This award recognition reinforces the event’s critical role in driving Queensland’s tourism economy and celebrating all facets of Australia’s beef industry.
“On behalf of the organisation and board of directors, I’d like to once again thank our local, state, and federal government partners, our competitors, sponsors, and the local community who have all been instrumental in the event’s success.
“Beef2027 is scheduled to take place back in the heart of the Beef Capital of Australia between the 2nd and 8th of May 2027, and we can’t wait to deliver yet another record-breaking event.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP congratulated Beef Australia on the award win.
“Beef Australia’s Beef 2024 is one of the most significant events in the Agricultural calendar, bringing a huge range of stakeholders from right around the world to Rockhampton,” Mrs Collins said.
“Beef Australia is a worthy recipient of this award.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Honourable Tony Perrett MP said Beef Australia’s triennial event provides a substantial contribution to the Central Queensland economy.
“As a celebration of all things beef, the industry and people who produce it, Beef Week is a major highlight on the local, national, and international calendar,” Minister Perrett said.
“I’ve attended every Beef Week since 1991 and have seen it evolve and grow into the world-class event it is today.
“Its reputation as a renowned drawcard for the people who produce beef, the industry, supporters, consumers, and visitors to the Rockhampton region has made it a substantial contributor to the Central Queensland economy.
“Cattle production is a significant driver in Queensland’s agricultural trade and the importance of the industry as an employer and economic contributor to Queensland is impossible to ignore.
“The Crisafulli Government looks forward to supporting the Beef2027 event to ensure it is even bigger and better, with record State Government investment.”
