Chair’s Report
As the Independent Chair of AgShows Australia, it is my honour to address you today on behalf of the Board of Directors.
I would like to begin by paying tribute to our former Chair, Dr. Rob Wilson, who retired in October last year. His outstanding achievements and advocacy have left an incredible legacy. Under his leadership, we secured nearly $100 million in Federal Government funding, which was vital in sustaining our AgShows during the pandemic. His efforts have ensured that AgShows continue to bring people together, with one in six Australians attending a show each year, generating $965 million for the economy annually.
Our mission is to sustain the future of agricultural shows across Australia, and our vision is to be the representative body for 580 shows nationwide, through our 29 member representatives, representing 15 members across regions (country shows), capital cities (royals), and the next generation of Emerging Leaders (yet to be incorporated). ASA works collaboratively with members to promote the significance of Agshows, supporting members by facilitating connections, sharing knowledge, and providing shared resources. ASA’s values include progressive leadership, being member-focused, collaborative, connecting, educating, and of course, celebrating!
Over the past year, our members across Australia have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather and economic pressures, our shows have thrived, showcasing and celebrating Australian agriculture and fostering strong community connections. Our royal shows report record attendance, reflecting enduring relevance, and country shows report playing a crucial role in supporting local economies and bringing communities together.
Our Executive Officer, Katie Stanley, reports several highlights that ASA has delivered over the past year:
- Successful 2024 National Championships at the Royal Melbourne Show.
- Establishment of the ASA Advocacy Working Group.
- Hosting of State Affiliates and Royal Bodies Round Tables.
- Successful 2025 ASA Conference on the Gold Coast with a budget surplus of $7K and over 150 attendees, including delegates from NZ and the USA.
- Conference Sponsorship raised $38K in cash and additional in-kind contributions.
- VIP attendance from Federal and State MPs.
- Outstanding positive testimonials, demonstrating that ASA is effective at facilitating connections for our members.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our small team of part-time staff, Sue Sharpe and Heather Earney, led by EO Katie Stanley, and our effective working groups. Collectively, their efforts have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward.
The National Satisfaction Survey, set to commence in 2025, will provide valuable insights into what is working well and where we can improve ASA’s service delivery to members.
Our Senate inquiry submissions and invitation to participate in the Senate hearing around ATO Self Reporting highlight our commitment to advocating for our members’ interests nationally.
Significant consultation work has commenced to align on our next ASA strategic plan 2026 – 2028. This is on track to finalise later this year and will set ASA’s future strategic direction with prioritised initiatives.
ASA continues to make progress on creating a suite of AgShows templates and tools, such as risk management templates, safety plans, and volunteer guides. These shared resources support our members in managing their shows more effectively and efficiently.
Strategically, we know that growing national programs and competitions like Rural Ambassadors, the young judges and paraders, and the Australian Young Farmers Challenge is important to our members. We hear that increasing the alumni prestige and educational opportunities of these programs matters at a national level.
The ASA board recognises the importance of respecting legacy while providing thought provoking leadership to innovate for the future. We are committed to uniting AgShows to have greater resilience, relevance, and impact. Together, ASA is greater than the sum of our parts. We also acknowledge the many shared challenges Agshows face, such as volunteer fatigue, safety, compliance, insurances, risk management, biosecurity, animal welfare, and environmental challenges. The board is dedicated to finding shared solutions for the sustainability of Agshows.
From a financial perspective, our general-purpose financial statements have been audited under the direction of Graeme Kay, and we received a clean audit with no contentious issues raised. This is a testament to the diligent work of our finance and governance lead, Sue Sharpe.
Looking ahead, we foresee scenarios that may negatively impact Agshows in the future, including maintaining our social licence and reputation, addressing rising costs of exhibiting, and ensuring Agshows financial sustainability. Our goal is to support our members in navigating these challenges and achieving success by facilitating collaborative solutions to reduce duplication of effort from state to state, show to show.
I would like to thank my fellow board members for their conscientious and cohesive efforts in advancing the long-term interests of ASA. Special thanks to our two retiring directors, Carla Miladinovic and David Peters, for their invaluable contributions and dedication. Carla Miladinovic has been EL director since 2022, bringing fresh ideas, thought-provoking insight, and commitment. We acknowledge the incredible efforts Carla put into the past two ASA Conferences. Her leadership in organising these events ensured their success.
David Peters who is an apology today has been an integral part of ASA since the two bodies FCAS & ACAS joined, bringing his passion and deep understanding of the show movement to everything he does. David is a strong advocate for regional shows, ensuring their voices are heard at a national level. His leadership as Chair of the National Competitions Working Group has helped to elevate the National Championships and support young competitors across the country.
Thank you, Carla and David, for your efforts, passion, and unwavering support of the show movement.
I also extend my gratitude to the chairs, deputy chairs, and members of our working groups, including the National Championships Working Group, the National Emerging Leaders Working Group, and the new Advocacy Working Group.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the trust you, our representative members, provide to the Board. Your support is received with humility and gratitude.
Thank you.
Jacqueline Wilson-Smith
Chair, Agricultural Shows of Australia.