St John WA launches the showbag literally nobody asked for

Forget the lollies. Forget the plastic toys. Forget the tiny packet of something you’ll discover under the couch six months from now.

St John WA is turning the Perth Royal Show showbag tradition completely upside down with the launch of what is believed to be the world’s first empty showbag.

That’s right.

There is nothing inside.

No sugar.
No plastic.
No batteries.

It’s just… a bag.

The limited-edition St John WA Showbag will be available at the 2026 Perth Royal Show, giving showgoers the rare opportunity to purchase a showbag that requires absolutely no unpacking.

St John WA Chief Preventative Officer Megan O’Donnell said the concept was deliberately simple.

“We thought about putting something in it, but then we realised that would rather defeat the purpose,” she said.

“Instead, people can buy a bag containing absolutely nothing and know that their money is helping support St John WA’s work in the community.

“It’s an empty bag. But we think it’s full of potential.”

While traditional showbags are famous for their contents, the St John WA Showbag promises a refreshingly different experience; handcrafted emptiness and ethically sourced nothingness that could help to save a life.

The concept is designed to raise funds for St John WA while shining a light on the organisation’s life-saving work across WA.

The purchase of the bag – which will be by donation – will help St John WA continue providing vital first aid, emergency response, community education and support.

The St John WA Showbag will be available in limited numbers at the 2026 Perth Royal Show.

Because sometimes, you really can make something out of nothing.