This year, the IGA Perth Royal Show marks the beginning of a month of celebrations culminating in Perth hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Thanks to the State Government’s support of CHOGM 2011, all children aged 12 years and under will receive free entry to this year’s event when accompanied by an adult.
The Show is an icon and an asset to the community.
There are many things we can showcase for the better use of resources and innovations. We will continue to strive to improve and to further enhance knowledge of the agricultural industry to help people understand, develop and forge stronger relationships between the agricultural and inner-city communities.
It is particularly important that young people gain a better understanding of agricultural products and where they come from. We have much to do to better promote agriculture to WA and I believe the Show is ideally positioned to do this.
Research carried out by The Royal Agricultural Society of WA found that the event is the ideal vehicle to engage with the WA public. 86% of Western Australians perceive the Show as doing an excellent job showcasing the best animals and produce in WA. 85% of people think the event provides wholesome family fun and 75% of people believe it offers credible learning experiences.
This year’s Show will be a celebration of achievement, a forum to learn and be entertained and a meeting place for Western Australians to gather with family, friends and colleagues.
Our competitions are the foundation of the Perth Royal Show. As well as benchmarking excellence across a range of disciplines, they bring together people from around the State and provide a tangible way for showgoers to discover agricultural industries and other local enterprises.
Coordinating and staging 40 competitions is a major task with 15,000 entries overseen by a dedicated team of stewards and judges. The RAS is grateful for the support and guidance of the committees whose members provide expertise and enthusiasm. I would also like to thank all RAS Councillors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and commercial partners for their contribution to the Show.
This year is my first as President of The RAS. I am looking forward to the challenge and the excitement! I would like to thank outgoing President Tony Devitt for his leadership and dedication over the past three years.
Good luck to all competitors and I hope to see you all at this year’s IGA Perth Royal Show.