The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of South Australia (RA&HS) is pleased to announce that Mr Hamish Findlay has been elected President of the Society at its Annual General Meeting held on 27 March 2026.
Mr Findlay has had a long and distinguished association with the RA&HS spanning more than three decades. He first became involved with the Society as a steward in the Horse Section in 1980, then joined the Light Horse Committee in 1992, before serving as Deputy Chairman from 1999 to 2003 and Chairman/Ringmaster from 2004 to 2012. His dedication to the Society’s mission continued through his appointment as a Board Member in 2012 and his service as Deputy Chair of Council from 2018 to 2021, before being appointed Chair of the Council and Trustee in March 2021.
In addition, Mr Findlay has served on the Investment Committee since 2019 and has been an active member and supporter of the Show Society Foundation, including serving as Deputy Chair in 2021 and Treasurer since 2024.
Alongside his engineering interests, Mr Findlay maintains an ongoing equity interest in agriculture and has served as a director across a range of companies and industry bodies.
The RA&HS congratulates Mr Findlay on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership as the Society advances its role in promoting agriculture, education, and community engagement in South Australia.
The RA&HS also extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing President Mr Andrew Hardy. Mr Hardy has been President of the RA&HS since 2020 and among his many achievements guided the Society through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented volatility in events and exhibition businesses.
His leadership oversaw the development of the North-West Carpark, the Adelaide Showground Caravan Park, and multiple strategic property acquisitions, all of which will play an important role in the long-term future of the RA&HS. Mr Hardy will continue to serve on the Board, providing continuity and ongoing guidance for the Society. The RA&HS thanks him for his dedication, vision, and lasting contributions to our organisation.
In other leadership appointments, the Society congratulates Mr Jock Gosse on his appointment as Chair of the Council, and Mr John Schutz as the new Deputy Chair. The RA&HS also congratulates Mr Michael Siebert on his reappointment for another term as Treasurer.