Dianne Rigg appointed as new General Manager of Brisbane’s Ekka

The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland has announced the appointment of Dianne Rigg as its new General Manager of the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).

Rigg recently commenced in the role following the retirement of Stephen Galbraith after 10 years in the position.

Bringing more than 15 years-experience as a large venue and destination professional, Rigg’s career has taken in spells at Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Sydney (now Raging Waters Sydney), as well as the Lionsgate Entertainment World indoor theme park in China.

Most recently, she was Group General Manager Event Operations of Venues NSW where she was part of the executive leadership team which oversaw the construction and recent opening of the $828 million Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Explaining that she is thrilled to be returning home to Queensland to work for such a unique largescale event that had been running for 143 years, Rigg advised “I’m incredibly excited to join the Ekka team and look forward to helping add to the legacy of Queensland’s largest and most iconic event.

“The Ekka is such a multifaceted event featuring live entertainment, food, animals, carnival rides and more and I’m looking forward to being part of the Ekka team that together continues to educate, showcase and champion the importance of agriculture.”

Noting Rigg’s extensive national and international expertise, RNA Chief Executive, Brendan Christou said the organisation was delighted to have her on board.

He also thanked retiring Galbraith for his efforts over the past 10 years, noting “we sincerely thank our retiring Ekka General Manager Stephen Galbraith for his significant contribution to the show movement over the past decade and wish him all the very best in his much-deserved retirement.”