CANEGROWERS has announced that the virtual reality (VR) ‘paddock to packet’ experience will return to Ekka, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Australian sugarcane sector.
According to CANEGROWERS, the VR headsets were a massive hit at last year’s event, helping make sugarcane one of the Agricultural Hall’s top attractions.
This year’s stand will be even bigger and better, with sugarcane incorporated in the Ekka’s new ‘Learning Trail,’ expected to draw hundreds of schoolchildren for a taste of cane country.
“We were really pleased with the success of last year’s industry stand. We had thousands of people visit the stand over the course of the nine-day event.” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
Galligan stated that sugarcane had a presence at Ekka for the first time in over 50 years, with CANEGROWERS working with Sugar Research Australia and Sunshine Sugar to make it interesting to visitors.
“But to go in there and end up being one of the top attractions in the Ag Hall was a huge surprise and something we’re all very proud of. Hopefully, this year will be even bigger and better and I’d like to thank SRA and Sunshine Sugar for once again partnering with us to help bring our story to the wider community,” he added.
Visitors to the booth will be able to see and touch fully grown cane, billets, bugs, and other items. They will discover how the industry works, and how important it is to rural communities and the Queensland economy. They will also hear about the multitude of products made from sugarcane, not to mention the exciting future ahead.
“The Ekka is a wonderful opportunity to share the story of our industry with people who may not have the opportunity to get out to the regions and see the cane fields firsthand,” Galligan said.
“We have a long and proud history behind us, but also a bright and exciting future ahead, and it’s important we share our vision for an innovative, sustainable and profitable industry, that is not just the cornerstone of our regional communities, but also a driving force of Australia’s bioeconomy,” he added.
