David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

Sadly, many events on the world stage have had to hit pause over the last couple of years: the Olympics, the Grand Prix and, of course, the Chinchilla Melon Festival. But I am pleased to announce that next weekend the Chinchilla Melon Festival is making a triumphant return. Sydney and Melbourne might have been in the bidding for it, but, no, it's staying where it belongs: in my hometown of Chinchilla—one of the true gems of Western Queensland. Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital of Australia and home of the Big Melon. We produce a staggering total of 25 per cent of our nation's melons. Across next weekend our gentle town of 7,000 will swell to 20,000, and if you've never seen anyone split open 47 watermelons in 67 seconds using nothing but, well, their own melon, you should probably come along. There's something for everyone at the melon festival, be it the grand parade, the pip spitting and eating competitions, the crowning of the biggest melon, markets and, of course, the famous melon ski. This biannual festival takes a lot of hard work and a heap of organising, and I would like to commend the dedicated committee members, contributors and volunteers for pulling it all together. Come for the melons, and stay for a damn good time and a lot of laughs. Just don't wear your Sunday best, because it's bound to get messy. Get your melons on and see you there.

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