Since our last The Ring edition in May, many State Affiliates and Royal Shows have had their elections. We would like to congratulate the following people on their new appointments.
Mr John Bennett OAM – President, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
The successor to Mr Michael Millner, Mr Bennett has worked across the agriculture and event sectors for over thirty years and has demonstrated outstanding leadership as a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, President of the Nowra Show Society and through his involvement with RAS partner, the Agriculture Societies Council of NSW (ASC).
Within the RAS, Mr Bennett has also devoted his time as a RAS of NSW Board member, Ring Master (2015-2021), and held leadership roles across various committees, including Horse, Agricultural Development, Competition Support Taskforce, Entertainment and as chair of the Bicentenary committee which helped the RAS celebrate 200 years in 2022.
John Snowball – President, Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia
The RASWA Council has elected John Snowball as President for a three-year term, taking the chair following the AGM on 28 June.
Mr Snowball has a wealth of knowledge and experience having been an RASWA member since 1998 and with an extensive career in regional Australia.
During his time as a RASWA Councillor, he has been involved in many different committees covering all the strategic pillars of the society. More recently he has led the redevelopment committee progressing plans for the future of the Claremont Showground.
Mrs Jill Chapman – President, AgShows NSW
Originally from South Australia, Jill and husband Geoff moved to western NSW in 1985. There they raised their four daughters on their 20,000 acre pastoral property south of Hay. In 2017 they sold their property and downsized to 70 acres east of Hay, whilst maintaining a farming interest in SA. Jill’s employment has been based in administration with some experience in tourism, and in more recent years in community engagement. Her community roles have been many and varied with a focus on netball, school P&Cs and community groups. In 2007, Jill offered to help at the Hay Show and from 2008 to 2018 held the position of President and is currently Vice President. She has represented her show at regional level and was President of Group 9 for seven years. Jill has been a Director with the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW since February 2016 and has held the positions of Chair of Commercial, Showgirl / Young Woman and Rural Achiever and Education committee. Jill enjoys travelling the state, checking out the many beautiful showgrounds and meeting volunteers who are keeping the show movement alive and well.
Mr David Wilson – President QLD Ag Shows
David, a sixth-generation farmer, proudly continues his family’s farming tradition in the Scenic Rim region alongside his wife and son. This legacy dates back to 1818 when David’s ancestors first settled as graziers in New South Wales. As active members of the agricultural community, David and his wife share a great love for agricultural shows. David’s family involvement can be traced back to the early 1900s when they showcased their prized Merino Sheep. Upholding this heritage, he has contributed to his local show, the Beaudesert Show Society, for the past two decades as a dedicated volunteer.
Since 2014, David has actively served in various roles within his Sub Chamber, including President, Treasurer, and Secretary. In 2021, he joined the Board of Qld Ag Shows, where he has held positions such as Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President, and currently serves as President. David’s contributions also extend to chairing the Governance Working Group as well as the Next Gen Working Group.
Additionally, David is an experienced project manager with a 20-year background in technology, agriculture, event management and business strategy. He is committed to uplifting agricultural and rural communities and understands first hand the unique challenges faced in these regions. With his extensive experience collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups, David is passionate about driving positive change for the benefit of these communities.