2016 RASV Annual Report

PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Embarking on the first year of our fiveyear
strategy ‘Towards 2020’, The Royal
Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has
been focused on delivering world class award
programs, agricultural events and venue
management, to drive development and
excellence in agriculture.
With the State Government’s announcement during
the Royal Melbourne Show in September of further
significant growth in food and fibre exports from
Victoria, the last year has given us the opportunity to
set the foundations for maximising opportunities and
outcomes across the entire value chain.
Reflecting our core purpose of promoting the
development of and celebrating excellence in agriculture,
we have enhanced and expanded our various agricultural,
food and beverage competitions and awards to attract new
and diverse audiences to the program and provide greater
value for participants.
Our flagship event, the Royal Melbourne Show once again
delivered a number of unique platforms for rural and
agricultural industries to connect with urban consumer
communities, with increased opportunities for attendees
to interact with animals, an enhanced food offering,
educational and hands-on activities and world-class
entertainment and attractions.
With a strong commitment to offering compelling future
development, the Royal Melbourne Show competition
schedule was further developed with an emphasis on
attracting young people to the industry, which resulted in
a high level of participation.
In September, two young people were celebrated for their
contribution to the industry through presentation of
the Emerging Leaders in Victorian Agriculture awards.
Brandon Sykes and Hayden Findlay were both bestowed
the honour, presented by Her Excellency the Honourable
Linda Dessau AM, which recognise people under 40 who
show leadership and make a contribution in their industry
and local community.
This year also saw the presentation of the inaugural
Dairy Youth Handler’s Scholarship to 18-year-old Keeley
Warren. The travel bursary will allow Keeley to travel to
emerging dairy regions in South-East Asia and highlights
the career opportunities for youth industry participants.
RASV was delighted to invite a delegation from China
to see and experience the 2015 Royal Melbourne Show,
as part of an ongoing discussion to identify future
partnership opportunities for industry participants and
investors.
The RASV food and beverage awards program
experienced continued growth, both in reputation
and numbers of participants. The introduction of new
trophies to the Australian International Beer Awards,
Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, Royal Melbourne Fine
Food Awards and the Australian International Coffee
Awards is reflective of industry trends and production
techniques and is evidence of RASV’s commitment to
ensuring the awards are relevant and credible for those
who participate.
These awards continue to grow nationally and globally
attracting entries from around the country and around the
globe due to their relevance to commercial outcomes, high
calibre of judges and the prestige and seal of excellence
that comes with a medal or trophy win.
Melbourne Showgrounds has experienced continued
progress with the attraction of new clients and improved
delivery and growth of existing events, significantly
contributing to Victoria’s major events calendar.
4 The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Limited