This year on July 5th the Royal Agricultural Society marked its bicentenary, honouring two hundred years of fostering agricultural development through competitions, education, and events in New South Wales. 

From an idea amongst members of the fledgling colony in NSW, on 5 July 1822, to form a Society that encourages agricultural production to an incredible member-driven organisation that brings people together through its annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, RAS Foundation, Australasian Animal Registry, Sydney Royal Competitions and event venue, Sydney Showground, the RAS has endured.

“We have stood strong for two hundred years and not only helped safeguard agriculture in this state but also forged the future of the agricultural industry," said President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Michael Millner.

"We have led the way with education, competitions and events and have provided much-needed support and assistance, for which I am extremely proud."

“While our mission remains the same, the RAS would not be what it is today without the generations of Councillors, RAS members, volunteers and staff who came before us and the many who will continue to carry this legacy," Mr Millner said.

An early Sydney Royal Easter Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

This year a staggering 900,000 people attended the Royal Easter Show, from across Australia and the globe including Her Royal Highness Princess Anne who officially opened the show.

The Country Women’s Association baked 34,204 scones for the 2022 Show and 30 tonnes of potatoes were turned into chips on a stick.

What makes this event so epic, is the sheer volume of country people who attend, exhibit, display or compete, as a representation of the rural communities they hail from.

From Miss Showgirl to Young Auctioneers, Young Achievers, to Horse sports, sheep and cattle, cooking, woodchopping and Young Judges.

Brendon White of Nyngan, got a first-hand glimpse of the value of the RAS when he attended the Royal Easter Show to compete in the Young Auctioneer Competition.

Young Auctioneer Brendon White showed his talent at the RAS Easter Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

At the time a young bloke getting started, he is now a valuable Agent with Kevin, Miller, Whitty & Lennon & Co based in Forbes NSW.

“I took part in the NSW Young Auctioneers Competition in 2017 and 2018,” said Brendon. “The whole experience was great and having the opportunity to auctioneer at such a facility as that of the Royal Easter Show was an experience in itself,” he said.

“I made lifelong friends and recommend other young auctioneers give it a go.”

This year alone saw 8240 animals under the supervision of 2,880 animal exhibitors enter the grounds. Bringing life back to the show following its co-vid hiatus.

Liz Hoy is a respected horse rider in the Nyngan District, having ridden at the Royal Easter Show from a young age. She holds the RAS and the Royal Easter Show in high regard and her family make the trek every year to attend.

Nyngan's Liz Hoy at a Sydney Royal Easter Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

“The Sydney Royal is the ultimate goal for a young country competitor, irrespective of their chosen discipline,” says Miss Hoy.

It is an opportunity to compete on the national stage, to test your skills against the best in the country and get a taste of top-level competition. It is an experience like no other,” she said.

The Show itself has provided a platform for so many people from country areas all over Australia while giving city dwellers a glimpse into country life.

Josie Anderson represented Cobar for Miss Showgirl and says, “The Showgirl movement is a valuable opportunity for young women in our communities. Especially in rural communities where opportunities aren’t as readily available,” she said. “It offers emerging leaders a platform to connect with others in the region and develop a personal and professional network, as well as skills.”

 Miss Josie Anderson represented Cobar Show at the 2019 Miss Showgirl competition. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

“If you are a rural woman, passionate about making a difference, contributing to your grassroots and growing as a person, I would highly recommend you enter,” said Miss Anderson.

“When I moved from Cobar to Dubbo, this competition gave me a foot in the door to not only the local committee but the wider community. I was able to build a profile, establish a new network and new connections. I have made lifelong friends and mentors from this program that I often reach out to for advice or help and in return you offer your support when called upon.” she said.

“Everyone does this out of the generosity of their hearts, because we love it, we love our people, our towns and our shows. They are key to bringing us together”.

“This event showcases the region’s best across multiple areas of industry. It acknowledges entrants and breeders hard work and allows them to celebrate their success. The effort and time put in by entrants to be their best is immeasurable,” says Miss Anderson.

Honoring part of its purpose since the RAS inception, the Society will inject $65,000 from the sale of Agbags and $40,000 from the Big Bush BBQ back into local shows across NSW, continuing its pledge of bringing people together.

As one of Australia’s longest-running organisations, the RAS harbors a remarkable history, from assisting with the first trials of transporting refrigerated meats to helping drive Sydney’s entertainment industry through the evolution of the Moore Park Showgrounds, conversion of the renowned Hordern Pavilion, and Sydney Showground. 

Following on from celebrations at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, the RAS encourages the public to explore its history through its virtual museum and Commemorative book.

It is undoubtedly one of Australia’s finest and most valuable Agricultural Organisation and will continue to be, by its support for and with the support of, rural and regional NSW for years to come. Grassroots agriculture an integral part of Australian history and day to day life.

Rural volunteers all over Australia continue to give up their time to continue the Legacy of Agricultural Shows for generations to come and with the support of the RAS they represent what is wonderful about rural communities and in turn, the RAS honours its past and embraces its future, leaning on its 200-year history to help rural communities and Australian agriculture prosper for decades to come.

Learn more about the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW here: https://www.rasnsw.com.au/200years/