Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) recently led an advocacy mission to Canberra.
The delegation included ASA Chair Jac Wilson-Smith, Executive Officer Katie Stanley, 2025 National Rural Ambassador Grace Collins, Canberra Royal Show President Toni Rolls, AAFDA Chair Bruce Wright, and Rural Ambassador finalist Dylan Bellchambers. Together, they met with federal MPs, Ministers, Senators, and industry leaders to highlight the social and economic contributions of 620 agricultural shows and field days nationwide.
The two-day visit, combined attendance at the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award Dinner with a full day of meetings at Parliament House as an opportunity to reinforce the vital role agricultural shows and field days play in connecting rural and metropolitan communities.
A key focus was ShowPulse, ASA’s proposed National Economic and Social Impact Study, designed to deliver robust, data-driven insights into the true value of shows—not just in dollars, but in community resilience, tourism, youth development, and agricultural education. The study aims to create a national benchmark framework, helping regions thrive through collaboration and shared learning.
Why it matters:
Every electorate has a show or field day. ShowPulse will provide credible data to guide funding, measure outcomes, and demonstrate the return on investment in rural communities. It’s about nation-building through community measurement.
Highlights from the trip:
- Engaged with leaders including Hon Kristy McBain MP, Hon Michael McCormack MP, and Senator Matt O’Sullivan, all expressing strong support for the sector.
- Discussed pathways for sustainability and growth, with MPs acknowledging the deep community connections shows foster.
- Reinforced ASA’s commitment to advocacy and collaboration with government and industry.
