The Royal Agricultural Society of WA today officially unveiled a permanent commemorative plaque honouring the late Jim Cardile, inaugural recipient of the prestigious Legend of the Show award, recognising his extraordinary multi-decade contribution to the Perth Royal Show.
The dedication ceremony was held at the Claremont Showground with members of the Cardile family, and guests gathered to celebrate Jim’s remarkable legacy.
Jim Cardile, who passed away in May 2025, delivered his first fireworks display at the Perth Royal Show as a teenager in the 1950s. Alongside his family, he went on to establish one of the Show’s most iconic and anticipated traditions, the awe-inspiring nightly fireworks displays that have illuminated the skies above the Showground for more than 70 years.
Royal Agricultural Society of WA CEO Robyn Sermon said the unveiling marked a fitting and lasting tribute to a man whose work has become inseparable from the Show experience.
“The Perth Royal Show is built on the dedication of individuals who go above and beyond to create something extraordinary for the community.
“Jim Cardile’s passion, innovation and spirit have brought joy to generations of Western Australians, and we are so pleased that legacy is now permanently recognised here at the Showground.”
Jim’s son Rob Cardile, Director of Cardile Fireworks, said the tribute held deep meaning for the family.
“Dad poured his heart into every fireworks display at the Perth Royal Show. It wasn’t just a job; it was a lifelong passion and a place he truly loved. This tribute is incredibly special for our family, and we’re proud to carry forward the legacy he created for generations of Western Australians.”
The Legend of the Show award will be an annual tradition, with future recipients recognised along a permanent walk of fame celebrating those who have made an indelible mark on the history of the Perth Royal Show.
For more information, interviews or images please contact: media@raswa.org.au
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About Cardile Fireworks
Cardile Fireworks is Western Australia’s longest-running fireworks company, spanning five generations since patriarch Gaetano Cardile emigrated from Italy in 1909. From early beginnings at the Osborne Park Agricultural Show, the Cardile family has grown to deliver more than 200 events each year across Western Australia, from community celebrations and cultural festivals to major city spectaculars. For more than 70 years, their name has been synonymous with the Perth Royal Show, where their dazzling displays remain the most iconic and anticipated entertainment of the event.
About the Royal Agricultural Society of WA
As Western Australia’s oldest not-for-profit organisation, the Royal Agricultural Society of WA is dedicated to bringing people together to grow the future of food and agriculture in our State. For more than 190 years, we have proudly championed agriculture, education and community, supporting innovation, excellence and connection across Western Australia. From the iconic Perth Royal Show to education programs, industry awards such as the Perth Royal Food Awards, and community initiatives, we celebrate and showcase the heart of Western Australia: its people, its produce and its future. Part of this is made possible through events hosted at Claremont Showground, which has been our home since 1905.
The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia’s largest community event taking place 26 September to 3 October 2026.
