- Queensland primary students encouraged to enter 2027 Farm Safety Calendar competition.
- Competition kicked off by new Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Safety Ambassador Riana Crehan.
- Farm and rural workplaces continue to account for a disproportionate share of workplace fatalities in Queensland and the calendar raises awareness about farm and rural safety hazards.
Queensland students are being encouraged to get creative and help spread the farm safety message, with the launch of the 2027 Farm Safety Calendar competition.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie and new Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Safety Ambassador Riana Crehan joined students at Eagle Junction State School today to open the competition, which highlights the importance of staying safe on farms and in rural communities.
The competition, which blends creativity with important safety messages, is now open to Queensland primary school students from Prep to Year 6.
Twelve artworks, created by Queensland primary students, will be selected for the calendar, each representing a different safety theme for the month.
The 2026 competition saw a record number of entries, with more than 2,500 entries from over 140 Queensland schools.
V8 Supercar and sport presenter Riana Crehan helped kickstart the competition today as one of her first duties as new Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Safety Ambassador.
Ms Crehan grew up on a farm and will help increase awareness of the importance of healthy workplaces and work health and safety.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the competition was playing an important role in building safety awareness from a young age.
"Everyone deserves to come home safe to their loved ones at the end of their working day, and we all play a part in ensuring safety in the workplace," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The Crisafulli Government is proud to support young Queenslanders who are helping to build safer and strong communities and this is a great example of how Queenslanders look out for one another.
"This competition is about creative young minds promoting the importance of farm safety by encouraging our next generation to think about risks and safe behaviours early, we're building a strong culture of care and awareness across rural and regional Queensland.
"From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, 22 Queenslanders lost their lives simply going to work. These aren't just numbers—they're 26 families left without a chance to say goodbye. The rural sector alone accounted for five of those lives.
"The calendar raises awareness about farm and rural safety hazards among primary school students and their communities."
Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls said while many of the students at Eagle Junction State School live in Brisbane, the farm safety message was just as important for them and their families to understand.
"Queenslanders regularly travel to regional areas, visit farms or interact with rural environments, so knowing how to stay safe can make a real difference," Mr Nicholls said.
"Building awareness early helps ensure all young Queenslanders can recognise risks and stay safe, wherever they go."
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Safety Ambassador Riana Crehan said she was proud to support an initiative that helps educate young Queenslanders.
"Over the years – whether through motorsport, high-pressure environments or life in general – I've learned that safety rarely feels dramatic until something goes wrong," Ms Crehan said.
"Growing up on a farm, I used to see firsthand how accidents could happen if you didn't pay attention to your surrounds. Animals can be unpredictable, and machinery is dangerous if you don't know how to use it properly.
"Farms are incredible places, but they also come with real risks.
"This competition helps kids understand those risks early and encourages them to think about safety in their everyday lives, covering important topics like electrical safety, animal handling, overhead powerlines and hygiene after contact with animals."
More than 40,000 copies of the 2027 calendar will be printed for statewide distribution. The competition is open until 31 August 2026. The 12 winning entrants receive a $250 gift card and $500 for their school.
