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Beef Australia 2021 has been touted the “best Beef yet” and this can now be confirmed through record attendee numbers.
A new attendance record was set this year with 115,866 people through the gates - up from the 100,000 attendance in 2018.
More statistics include 11,000 people using the new park and ride service, 4980 head of cattle across the event, 63 tonnes of beef consumed throughout the week, 800 contractors and staff behind the scenes with 150 Beef Australia volunteers.
It seemed like every politician was in town at some point with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and 39 state and federal ministers attending the event.
The Barbarians players included cattle producers, agents, buyers and beef industry identities.
They showed plenty of heart but were beaten convincingly by the Classic Wallabies, who were captained by Lote Luqiri and included the likes of Stephen Moore, Nathan Sharpe and George Smith.
Hanson said despite the result, he and his teammates were thrilled to be involved.
âThat was living a lifelong dream to play against the Wallabies. I loved every minute that we were out there,â he said.
âThe idea came up to put a beef industry team together. It took a bit of doing and the first time the whole team met was on Thursday at five oâclock for the captainâs run.
“I think the scoreboard’s irrelevant tonight,” he said post-game.
“The turnout was fantastic and it’s good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
“It’s been a wonderful week here at Beef 21 and it was great to finish it off like this.
“It’s been awesome; there’s a really positive feeling around the event and it’s nice that we could play a small part in it.”
During their visit, members of the Classic Wallabies conducted seven coaching sessions at Gladstone, Yeppoon and Moore’s old home town of Mount Morgan.
“We’re really passionate about growing rugby in the regions,” he said.
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The Classic Wallabies, including Central Queensland legend Stephen Moore, will feature in a number of events on the Beef Australia program on Friday.
They will be guests at the popular Sportsmanâs Lunch to be held at The Stadium at the Rockhampton Showgrounds from noon.
They will then lace up the boots for a game against the Beef Barbarians, a team of beef producers and industry identities, at the Rocky Sports Club at 6.30pm.
Here are some other highlights on Fridayâs program.
8am-noon: Farm and Garden Products Stud Cattle Young Judges, Centre Ring, Rockhampton Showgrounds.
Australian country music singer Brad Cox.
BRAD COX âRipped feet first from the belly of the Kosciuszko Mountains, stubby in hand. Baptised in the freezing head waters of the Snowy Riverâ
Brad Cox at Beef for one night only.
Wednesday, May 5
FRED BROPHY BOXING
Fred Brophy OAM â an Australian outback legend and fourth generation showman, runs the worldâs last and only travelling boxing troupe. Fred and his team will take on all challengers over two nights at Beef 2021 in his first return to the circuit in more than 12 months. Join them for an evening of entertainment that Fred suggests ⦠âyouâll talk about for years to come!â