PADDOCK TO PINT The agricultural benefits of craft brewing A PASTURE OF PUPILS A careers classroom with a country atmosphere OH BABY! The tale of a remarkable friendship

NOVEMBER 2017 | VOLUME 15-3

THE BEST SHOW IN TOWN

The Sydney Royal Easter Show will hit the mark in 2018

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“For us the roving breezes bring From many a blossom-tufted tree Where wild bees murmur dreamily The honey-laden breath of Spring.” ANDREW BARTON (BANJO) PATERSON (1864 - 1941)

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PEET NSW GOVERNMENT HOUSE BEEHIVES

Contents

SUPPORT

RURAL NSW &

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

NOVEMBER 2017 | VOLUME 15-3

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Publisher: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW ISSN: 1836-6724. 1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Telephone: 02 9704 1111 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rasnsw.com.au Editor: Meredyth Hayes Bell Contributors: Jane Hammond, Vicki Hastrich, Chris Sheedy Design and Art Direction: Pete Bunce, Concept!on Agency Cover image: Woodchop, 2017 Sydney Royal Easter Show by Chloe Tredrea. Print: Brightset Printing

Your Membership directly supports rural NSW by enabling the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to continue rewarding excellence in agriculture through competitions and events. It’s time to renew your RAS Membership and enjoy a great selection of benefits including discounts, reciprocal Members access to some of the most prestigious venues in Sydney and unlimited entry to all 12 days of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Renew your Membership today, call 02 9704 1144 or go to rasnsw.com.au/membership

Environment Management. RAS Times is printed on PEFC certified paper. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. PEFC is an international certification programme promoting responsible forestry which assures consumers that a forest product can be tracked from a certified, managed forest through all steps of processing and production in the supply chain by a Chain of Custody process.

Features

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Paddock to pint The agricultural benefits of craft brewing Sydney Royal Results Taste of Excellence & Sydney Royal Highlights A pasture of pupils A careers classroom with a country atmosphere Sydney Royal Easter Show flies high! 2018 SRES Preview What’s in a brand Should the label tell the story? Oh baby! The tale of a remarkable friendship

19 Regulars

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6 President’s letter 7 The vine 12 Chief Executive’s column 13 Flavours 40 What’s on at Sydney Showground

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President’s letter

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griculture makes an incredible contribution to the Australian economy, and around two-thirds of total production is exported, so it is a wonderful time to be a farmer in Australia or an agri-businessman/ woman. At this time of year it is worthwhile pausing to recognise the vital role we are all playing in sustaining our nation, whether it is feeding, clothing or employing not just Australians but people all across the globe. The quality and high standard of our produce is recognised and envied in countries as diverse as India, the Middle East, Spain, Vietnam and Korea. The United States takes 66% of our goat meat export whilst China imports 70% of the wool leaving Australia. Australia is currently the second biggest exporter of mutton and lamb and the primary destination for ours is the Middle East. Horticulture is another key player, with locally grown tropical fruits including mangoes, bananas and citrus fruits in demand globally; even the Japanese are buying our potatoes. We are one of the few legal exporters of opium, produced for use in the pharmaceutical industry and sold to

manufacturers based in North America. We are a clean and green producer and that is what pays so many marvellous dividends for us and therefore is always at the forefront of everything we support with the work we are doing at the RAS. Our core objective is sustainable development of agriculture, and I believe this contributes to the incredible interest from overseas markets for our local produce and the predicted ongoing record exports. Domestically things are changing too, with far greater interest in food and its production. Similar to overseas markets, quality is the primary concern and Australian grown is more important to consumers than Australian owned. The standard of entrants in our Sydney Royal Shows is evidence of the excellent local produce, and the availability of the award-winning exhibits proves consumers are willing to buy the best. I am sure the inclusion of Sydney Royal medal artwork on the label helps catch the eye. In order to keep the agricultural industry strong, we need to promote this career path to future generations and that is why we presented AgVision at Sydney Showground this year. Alternating with Junee High School, it was our turn to host almost 600 students with 50 workshops designed to cultivate careers in agriculture. From apiarists to wool classers and everything in between, including farriers, helicopter pilots and research agronomists, we planted a field of dreams for future farmers and agribusiness leaders. I’ll close by wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and thank you for supporting the Society as we promote Australian agriculture.

ROBERT RYAN OAM, President, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

The vine

YOUR NEW TREASURER

NEWS | UPDATES | EVENTS

The RAS is pleased to announce Grahame Sharpe as your newly elected Treasurer. Grahame was elected to Council in 2003 and has served as Chair of the Poultry Committee, as well as Chair of the Rural Achievers Support Group. He has also served on the Horse Section Committee, the Youth Affairs Committee and the Sheep and Wool Section Committee. When he isn’t dedicating to his time to the RAS and offering support and expertise where needed, Grahame runs a Poll Dorset Stud and is a partner in Smith, Sharpe & Abbott, Chartered Accountants. Grahame has enjoyed a lifetime interest in pure breed poultry and is warmly welcomed as our Treasurer.

TIME TO RENEW

Your RAS Membership supports the sustainable development of agriculture in NSW through the continued expansion of educational programs, exhibitions and competitions that reward agricultural excellence. Now is the time to renew and unlock rewarding year-round benefits and discounts. Don’t forget, as an RAS Member, you’re entitled to free entry across all 12 days of the Sydney Royal Easter Show along with access to member-only facilities during Showtime. If you haven’t received your renewal notice in the post or by email, contact the Membership Team today. To renew or become a new Member, visit rasnsw.com.au/ membership or call 02 9704 1144.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

Your Membership Team are taking a break between Christmas and New Year. The office will be closed from 5pm Thursday, 21 December 2017, and will re-open 9am Wednesday, 3 January, 2018. We wish all Members and their families a safe and happy festive season.

Opportunities for Achievers 2015 Rural Achiever Tim Eyes represented the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) at the RASC Next Generation Understanding and Assistance Mission to South Africa. Missions provide an opportunity between small-scale farmers and young leaders who share a passion for agricultural sustainability and for extensive and interactive learning.

Travelling to South Africa with the aim of bridging the gap between emerging and commercial farmers and the hope of sharing and gaining agricultural knowledge, Tim has been an outstanding Next Generation member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. 2017 Rural Achiever Rebecca Cope from Narrabri has been making the

most of her networking and professional development opportunities, including a visit to Wilga Feedlot in Bellata for the Sydney Royal Beef Challenge Open Day. Among those on hand to help steer Rebecca through the day were RAS Foundation Chair Michael Millner and RAS Cattle Councillor (and Wilga Feedlot owner) Michael MacCue.

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With thanks

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF) awards up to $25,000 in funding for community-minded people for a community project in their local area. Projects that address an issue or need and result in enhanced economic and social outcomes for the wider community on completion are eligible to apply for Community Futures Grants. Established in 2010, the program has invested more than $600,000 in rural communities through 34 grants. Applicants must be a resident of the town in which the project will take place, and connect with a local community organisation for the purpose of the project. Community Partners can

be any local agency or group that delivers a service, provides a benefit or whose purpose is charitable in nature. Previous recipients have included: Russell Hallaran of Walgett, driving the restoration and renewal of Gordon Pavilion, the only sizeable public hall in the area; Elizabeth Clark working with Kyogle Pony Club to fence the arena boundary at Kyogle Showground, enabling community groups to hold new and larger events; Katie Rowe of Gulargambone seeing the need for an interactive play space at the community owned and run 2828 Café. The café offers training and employment opportunities whilst showcasing local produce, and now offers a safe and

imaginative play space for children. The program gives people living in rural areas the opportunity to take on leadership roles in improving their community by addressing local issues. The support and generosity of donors allows the RAS Foundation to champion and support rural Australians as they rise to meet challenges and shape the future of country NSW. Applications for Community Futures Grants open on 20 November and close on 14 January 2018. Interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.rasnsw.com.au/ foundation/scholarships-andgrants/community-futures-grant/ for more information.

Adrian K Saines: Elected to the RAS Council in 1994 and made an Honorary Life Member in 2014, Mr Saines has a long association with the pig industry, pig breeders and competitions. He has chaired the Goat Committee for seven years, was Chair of the Poultry Committee, served on the Pig & Alpaca Committee, Other Livestock Committee, Woodchop Section Committee, Education & Projects Committee, Chair of the Judging Competitions Special Committee, Chair of the Young Judges Competitions Committee and has served on the Disciplinary Committee. His interest in pigs and poultry has seen Mr Saines as both an RES Exhibitor and Steward. We would like to thank Adrian Saines for his years of service and commitment to the RAS and trust that his knowledge and support would be available if ever needed. Tim T Slack-Smith: Elected to the Council in 2000, Mr Slack-Smith now takes on the role of Honorary Councillor. Amongst his many duties with the RAS, he has served on the Dome Committee, Meat Industries Committee, Fine Foods Committee, Young Judges Special Committee, Dairy Produce Committee, Councillor Recommendation Committee and served as Chair of the Sheep & Wool Section Committee for 6 years. Mr SlackSmith has served a three year term on the RAS Board. He has extensive experience in the wool and meat industries working previously with the Australian Wool Testing Authority, Australian Wool Corporation and the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation. We would like to thank Tim Slack-Smith for his years of service and rest assured the Committees he has served on are all the better for his assistance and support.

ONLY THE BEST WILL DO The Australia’s Best Producers database is the culmination of hard work and dedication from the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy & Fine Food teams working alongside the RAS Digital team, with the purpose of connecting consumers directly with the best in local produce and producers. Everything you need to know about medal winning products from the Sydney Royal competitions – you can search by year, awards, category and state - is at your fingertips. Australia’s

Best Producers is where you will discover the best Wine, Beer & Cider, Coffee, Honey, Chocolate, Aquaculture, Deli Meats, Olive Oil, Pasta, Regional Foods (including jams, sauces, nuts & vinegar) as well as Cheese & Dairy, Icecream, Gelato & Sorbets. Planning a weekend getaway - take a look at Australia’s Best Producers and map out the perfect gourmet road trip Discover it all at www.rasnsw.com.au/ australiasbestproducers

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With thanks

FALL OF THE HAMMER Taking out the title of 2017, Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association (ALPA) National Young Auctioneer at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show was not enough for Queensland stock agent Lincoln McKinlay. Travelling to Canada courtesy of his Young Auctioneer win, Lincoln represented Australia at the 2017 Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Championship and returned home with the Rookie of the Year title. “It’s somewhere I’ve always dreamed of going and ending up, it was super special for me to win the Australian competition, let alone to go and compete

with the best in the world on such a big stage like the Calgary Stampede,” Lincoln said. Only three times over the history of the competition has the title of Rookie of the Year left Canada, and all three times the Championship belt buckle has flown to a new home in Australia. In 1999, Luke Scicluna from NSW won the title. In 2016, Ronnie Dix from South Australia took out the title, followed by Lincoln this year. Ronnie and Lincoln both entered the Calgary Stampede competition as part of their prize package as winners of the ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show

Graham GJ Davey: Elected to the RAS Council in 1995 and becoming an Honorary Life Member in 2015, Mr Davey now takes on the role of Honorary Councillor. Mr Davey’s commitment to the RAS has seen him serve as Chair of the Ring Program Subcommittee, Chair of the Showjumping Subcommittee, Chair of the Horse Section Committee and as a Director of the RAS Board for two three-year terms. He has dedicated his time with the RAS to horse, particularly showjumping, and his wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport is unmatched. We would like to thank Graham Davey for his years of service and trust that he will allow us to call on his expertise and advice, particularly for our young competitors, for many years to come. Glenn GB Dudley OAM: Elected to the Council in 1998 and serving as RAS President from 2008-2015, Mr Dudley will now take on the role of Honorary Councillor and serve as our Vice Patron. Prior to his election as President, Mr Dudley held the position of Treasurer and has also carried many roles including serving as Chairman of the Domestic Animals Committee, on the Cattle Section Committee, Audit Committee, Youth Affairs Committee, Strategic Planning subcommittee and as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee. As President of the RAS, Mr Dudley worked tirelessly to keep the RAS relevant and contemporary, while safeguarding its heritage. Promoting Excellence in Agriculture was a key focus of the RAS under his Presidency, and a strong passion of his. Mr Dudley introduced Excellence in Ag Day at the Show, and the Parade of Champions, to honour and recognise the contribution of top exhibitors and contributors across all Sydney Royal competitions. He has also been a passionate advocate of the RAS Foundation. We would like to thank Glenn Dudley for his steadfast dedication to the RAS and will continue to welcome his support and wisdom going into the future.

Bring your party to us Corporate hospitality packages, indulging in the privacy of a suite in Spotless Stadium, are now available for the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The modern 15 seat private suites have floor-to-ceiling windows where you’ll be high above the crowd with unrivalled views of all the action on the ground during the day, or if you prefer, the evening entertainment. With access from midday, your suite will be a central hub from which to explore the Show before enjoying award-winning catering and an excellent beverage selection, plus your own personal host. All RAS Members receive 10% discount when booking a Sydney Royal Easter Show Corporate Suite. Sydney Royal Easter Show dates: Friday 23 March – Tuesday 3 April 2018. Packages start at $149pp For terms & conditions, menus and to place your booking visit www.eastershow.com.au/ticketinformation/corporatehospitality/ Contact Paul Bowd, Head of Commercial, 02 9704 1141 or paul. [email protected]

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A RIESLING “Going to university, I used to always sneak Riesling from the old man’s cellar and everyone used to call me a Riesling freak, so when I went out by myself the decision was made for me … it had to be Rieslingfreak.” John Hughes, owner and winemaker Rieslingfreak A dream to show the diversity of the Riesling grape has come to fruition with John Hughes picking up five awards at the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show for his Rieslingfreak No.3, 2017 Riesling, including the two big ones – the KPMG Perpetual Trophy for Best Wine of Show and the Tucker Seabrook Perpetual Trophy for Best State Show

Wine. Rieslingfreak No.3 is harvested from the Hughes family vineyard. The heavy red clay soils contribute to the fruit intensity of this wine, providing a fruit driven style of Riesling. Being from Clare, the wine has classic flavours of ripe lemon and lime and some tropical fruit notes. Adding Best Riesling, Best Young White and Best White to his KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show prizes more than satisfies a goal John Hughes has been chasing since he was 16 years old. Wanting his own business, making wine under his own label led to Rieslingfreak and wine drinkers of Australia should thank John’s father for introducing his son to the grape.

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Chief Executive’s column

Flavours The Gumnut Patisserie, Samantha Trotter MITTAGONG, NSW

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t is time to mark the diaries for the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Australia’s largest annual ticketed event will run from Friday 23 March to Tuesday 3 April. We’ll showcase the finest in agriculture, entertainment and competitions over 12 days, a return to the shorter Show length that was incredibly successful from 1947-1998. It’s also time to renew your RAS Membership and look forward to another 12 months of remarkable benefits. It is easy to forget some of the benefits all Members are encouraged to take advantage of outside of Show time. Free entry to all 12 days of the Sydney Royal Easter Show is difficult to top, but we do offer a lot more. RAS Members are entitled to free general admission to GWS GIANTS games at Spotless Stadium, and after the tremendous season GWS have had they are definitely the team to follow next year. Spotless Stadium has twice been voted ‘Best Match Day Experience’ by AFL fans so if you have not taken advantage of your free entry to games at Spotless make it a priority in 2018. Sydney Thunder are worthy guardians of Spotless Stadium when the AFL is on a break, with some

exclusive benefits for RAS Members soon to be announced. Sharing the spotlight with us at Sydney Olympic Park is the mighty ANZ Stadium, home to NRL club games and major events including rugby union tests, soccer matches and finals. RAS Members benefits at ANZ Stadium include complimentary entry into the Members’ Reserve and the option to purchase guest passes. When travelling to Sydney to take advantage of the exclusive Members opportunities, you are entitled to a great range of accommodation discounts across Sydney. This is a particularly valuable benefit for our country Members. Check the RAS website Members page before making any bookings to secure great rate. Above all else, the greatest benefit of Membership is knowing you are supporting excellence in agriculture and ensuring that Australia remains a thriving agricultural producer. Membership benefits are one way of thanking you for your patronage but I’d also like to remind you of exactly what your support has achieved. We experienced a 10-year record-breaking Sydney Royal Easter Show crowd, donated over $250,000 to worthy recipients through our RAS Foundation, judged more than 14,000 exhibits at our Sydney Royal competitions and picked up nominations and awards for Sydney Showground events and catering. Thank you for being part of our incredible year, and may you have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We’ll see you at the Show, or catching some of the mustsee sport at Spotless Stadium.

Brock Gilmour, Chief Executive, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

BEST APPRENTICE/STUDENT EXHIBIT, 2017 SYDNEY ROYAL PROFESSIONAL BAKERY Samantha Trotter’s award-winning Blueberry & Custard Brioche, Raspberry Croissants and Vanilla Slice – made for the Gumnut Patisserie. VISIT gumnutpatiserrie.com.au

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND SYDNEY SHOWGROUND

For those used to associating Easter and farmyard animals with Sydney Showground, here is something completely different. Christmas Wonderland Sydney Showground is opening from 16 – 24 December. Families can visit Gingerbread Land and Santa’s Alpine Forest, build a snowman and even visit Toyland. There will be elves for a festive season chat, memories to be made in the Enchanted Christmas Village and magical light displays to truly bring the Christmas spirit to life. The reindeer may give it a miss; they could be difficult to round up, but there will be penguins on parade. On offer are some of the same much-loved attractions you see featured at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, including the Big Slide, Wave Swinger, Free Fall, Kite Flyer, Hot Wheels Car Ride and the Cup and Saucer Ride. This magical event offers four hours of entertainment with a single entry fee enabling unlimited access to rides, play, activities and shows. Dates: Saturday, 16 December to Sunday, 24 December 2017, session times run for 4 hours between 10am - 2pm or 3pm - 7pm. Tickets: Adults - $39.95; Children 3-12 yrs - $35; Seniors - $35 plus handling fees, tickets available through Ticketmaster RAS Members receive a 15 per cent discount on all tickets for Christmas Wonderland Sydney Showground

Field of champions

When only the best will do, indulge in one of these Champions from the Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce, Wine or Fine Food Shows.

St Hallett, Mattschoss Shiraz 2015 BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

BEST SINGLE VINEYARD WINE, SYDNEY ROYAL WINE SHOW Aromas of violets, fresh herbs and red berries, and the palate of bright blueberry and cranberry with pepper, spice and herbs. VISIT sthallett.com.au

Murray Gold Australia, Murray Cod

Brownes Dairy, Brownes Extra Creamy Milk

Diva Coffee, Diva Fair Trade Blend

CHAMPION FRESH FISH, AQUACULTURE The largest freshwater fish found in Australia, Murray Cod is a remarkable fish. When cooked, the flesh is juicy and rich with a creamy flavour that goes well with chilli, lime, tomatoes and soy sauce. VISIT murraygold.fish

CHAMPION WHITE MILK, SYDNEY ROYAL CHEESE & DAIRY PRODUCE SHOW Brownes Extra Creamy is perfect for those who like richer, creamier, and fuller-tasting milk. Made with premium full cream milk fresh from WA farms. VISIT brownesdairy.com.au

CHAMPION LATTÉ, SYDNEY ROYAL COFFEE SHOW The scent and aroma features heavy notes of dark chocolate with a hint of candied walnuts. It offers notes of cocoa and caramel with a good body. VISIT divacoffee.com.au

MURRAY RIVER, VICTORIA

BALCATTA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

BELROSE, NSW

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Agriculture

SYDNEY ROYAL BEER & CIDER HEAD JUDGE NEAL CAMERON

I PADDOCK TO PINT

Craft beer is connecting farmers with brewers and influencing tastebuds across the nation. WORDS JANE HAMMOND

n the first half of this year alone, almost fifty new craft breweries commenced operations across Australia. The industry is now worth $740 million to the country’s economy and is still growing. With so many brewers ready to tap a keg, you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new product on the market. Aficionados who enjoy tasting the latest craft beer probably have no idea about the intricate and complex journey the brew makes, or how many experts are involved in its passage from paddock to pint. With the onslaught of new tipples to try, how do you spot a top-notch craft beer and what is it that makes an awardwinning drop? Who better to ask than Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show head judge, Neal Cameron, and Sydney Royal Champion Draught Beer winner and Master Brewer of Redoak, David Hollyoak? Redoak is a Sydney-based brewery, bar and restaurant that creates an extensive range of craft beers across a variety of styles.

Owner of Redoak, David Hollyoak said that whilst they have won many national and international awards they are particularly proud of being named a winner at the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show. Administered by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), Sydney Royal competitions reward superiority and set the benchmark for excellence in Australian agriculture. “It is one of our favourite competitions because we share a common belief with the RAS which is to acknowledge the importance of all things in the paddock to pint journey. “The competition is a true celebration of the entire supply chain. There can be up to one hundred people involved in the production of just one batch of Redoak craft beer and this award recognises them all.”

For each person in the complex Redoak supply chain, quality is at the forefront of his or her minds throughout the entire process. The journey, as you would expect, starts with the farmer and it is Australian barley farmers who meet David’s exacting standards. Not all farmers have the climate or soil types needed to produce malting barley, but those that do are in a very fortunate position. Australian farmers are renowned for producing high-quality barley and as a crop, it is second in size only to wheat, with annual production averaging around 8 million tonnes per year. Barley farmers across the country have an enviable reputation for producing a reliable supply of highquality barley, which is keenly sought by

Local brewers are tightly linked into Australia's barley production and strong relationships develop with all facets of the industry, from farmer to maltster to brewer.

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Agriculture

The craft beer industry will continue to grow, driven by ever-increasing consumer demand. It is important that brewers and growers innovate and experiment in order to compete and survive. malting, brewing and distilling industries worldwide. On average, Australia produces around 2.3 million tonnes of malting barley and domestically, malting barley demand sits at approximately 1 million tonnes per year, proving Australians do love their beer. Seasonal changes and the supplier directly influence the character and quality of the grains and in turn, the taste of the beer. Members of the Redoak team, therefore, like to spend time with the farmer, personally tasting and testing the products before placing large orders. “Brewing is my hobby and my passion,

so we take every step of the beer-making process to the highest degree. I source the best ingredients I can find. David favours the century-old traditional brewing methods but isn’t afraid to experiment and will try methods if they seem like a good idea. “At the end of the day, our goal is to be able to create top-notch craft beer for our customers. It is extremely important to make sure all ingredients sourced are of excellent quality, are carefully managed and stored and the brewing process is consistent.” Hollyoak is particularly proud of their brew’s unswervingly high quality

but he adds he likes to celebrate the fact that there can be variations in beer styles because of seasonality differences. “These changes can bring a uniquely different flavour and aroma so we are always on the lookout for the right product. “The honesty and integrity of the business owners involved are also paramount to our process. I like to do business with like-minded Australian producers.” Since 2004 when David and his sister started the business, they have managed to build long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. It wasn't always smooth sailing and in the early days, it was an issue finding suppliers who would deal with a new business, especially a small brewery. “Quite often they would dictate terms which made it tough for us trying to get started in the industry, and small operators like us had some hard times. “But as we grew, we developed a great base of suppliers and created good working relationships with them. Redoak’s relationship with their clientele is equally as important to their ongoing success. The team goes out of their way to educate people about beer styles, glassware, the brewing process and food and beer pairings. “It is through education that a love of craft beer can be sparked and it is up to us to plant the seed, so to speak, to start that life-long interest in beer and the industry.” Redoak’s brewing philosophy of always striving to brew the best beer possible every time was recognised by the judges of the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show when they won Champion Draught Beer up against some quality competitors including Malt Shovel Brewery, Sydney Brewery and the Australian Beer Company. Whilst tasting sixty or more beers a day may sound like a dream job, it is a lot more complex and involved that one might think. Neal Cameron, the head judge at the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show explains that there is a lot to consider when judging the various beers. “You need to leave your ego aside and you also have to engage your nose, eyes and palate and concentrate for eight hours each day. “Self-control is certainly useful, with a panoply of wonderful beers brought to you all day, keeping a clear head can require some resistance.”

DAVID AND JANET HOLLYOAK CELEBRATE REDOAK'S SYDNEY ROYAL BEER & CIDER SHOW CHAMPION DRAUGHT BEER AWARD.

He adds that good judges need to understand beer styles from across the globe, understand how beer is technically made, what can go wrong and appreciate what the brewer is trying to do with a particular beer. “When judging the craft beers, you have to start with technical excellence. There are so many things you need to get right to make a great beer.” Brewers need knowledge, discipline and a passion for hard work. On top of that, great flavour expression, balance and drinkability are paramount for those wanting to win the big awards. “We were overwhelmed with welldeserved gold medals. Picking the champion out of these was one of the hardest things the judging panel has had to do… And one of the best things too! Cameron has some sage advice for craft brewers who want to participate in next year’s show. “To win at the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show, you must pick your best beers, make sure they’re super fresh, and give as much information as you can to help the judges understand what you’re trying to do.

But most importantly, Cameron says entrants need to demonstrate knowledge and understand how education is key to a brewers’ success. “I get dismayed by people entering the industry without any experience or formal education and expecting to be able to produce great beer. “There are increasing opportunities to learn at places like TAFE NSW, Ballarat & IBD, but they are scarce. “In lieu of a formal education, learning on the job can be the best approach. For those wanting to get into this burgeoning industry, giving your time free at a brewery and learning on the job can be invaluable. “You cannot make great beer unless you understand how beer is made. The opportunities for mistakes are endless, but so too are the opportunities for success.”

MEET THE MASTER BREWER

David Hollyoak is Redoak’s Master Brewer and founder. He started brewing ginger beer at the age of 14 and continued brewing throughout his career as a hobby.

After years in civil engineering, he yearned for a career change and in 2004 he recruited his sister Janet to join him and together they established Redoak Brewery; one of Australia’s most awarded breweries. He is Chairman of the Australian Real Craft Brewers Association and takes an active role in canvassing state and national government bodies to help promote the industry and people behind it.

MEET THE HEAD JUDGE

Neal Cameron has judged various craft beer competitions for many years and was invited to judge at the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show 10 years ago. Cameron is an industry leader who wears many hats including Education Director at the Institute of Beer, Brewing Director at Beerfarm, Technical Director of Brewtique and a Teacher at TAFE NSW. When Neal took on the role of head judge, there were about 50 entries in the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Competition but the contest is now up to nearly 250 entries and getting bigger every year. •

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Membership

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SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW BENEFITS:

– Unlimited Sydney Royal Easter Show entry – Free same-day public transport to and from the Show – Access to Members’ dining and entertainment areas – Members’ seating in Spotless Stadium and Woodchop Stadium – Access to pre-purchase One Day Royal tickets – Access to purchase Guest cards – Access to pre-purchase and reserve Showtime parking space – Members’ only assistance and facilities including Members Lounge, Customer Service, Telephone Enquiries, Cloak Room and Parents’ Room – Buggy transport for less mobile Members – 10% discount in Hordern Café and Members Bar – 5% discount at all food and beverage vendors across the site

YEAR ROUND BENEFITS:

Better Together

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he Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has played a central role in the direction and development of Australian agriculture since its foundation in 1822. As a not-for-profit organisation, our competitions, education and events are communitybased and the revenue raised is reinvested into programs that support agriculture throughout NSW. The prospectus published in 1822 resolved to help farmers employ better practices to ensure sustainable farms and land usage. This core objective has never changed. Our vision is for a community that understands and values sustainable Australian agriculture and award-quality produce. Our mission is to engage, educate and entertain our community through events that support

agricultural excellence and innovation, and to improve the quality of agricultural produce and animal breeds through competitions. Our Members play a vital role in supporting our core objective, enabling us to ensure that Australia remains a thriving and innovative agricultural producer. Members sustain the altruistic work of the RAS and represent the RAS throughout society. Our Members are rural, regional, remote and city-based. Our Members are young and not-so-young, experienced in agriculture and just beginning the adventure of agricultural passions. Members are the reason we do what we do. RAS Membership includes a range of valuable privileges and benefits. Some of these are Sydney Royal Easter Show specific and others are available all year round.

GWS GIANTS – RAS Members receive free access to general admission areas for selected matches at Spotless Stadium SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND – RAS Members receive free entry to Sheffield Shield and Domestic One Day matches ANZ STADIUM – RAS Members receive complimentary entry into the Members’ Reserve for NRL Club Games and Charity Shield and the option to purchase up to 3 Paying Guest tickets QUEST AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK – Members receive 10% discount on best-available rate for accommodation AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB – Members receive a range of reciprocal rights across all four racecourses ATP CRUISES – Members receive discounted last-minute premium and luxury cruise offers PARKROYAL PARRAMATTA – RAS Members receive 10% off the Best Available Rate, discounted breakfast $20 and inclusive of wi-fi The benefits of Membership are growing as new opportunities are explored. However, one thing never changes – the satisfaction of playing an important role in the industry that feeds, nurtures and clothes Australia. The RAS will always support agriculture in this country and all of our Members can too simply by joining, renewing and being a part of the community.

Renew your Membership now by visiting www.rasnsw.com.au/membership/join-or-renew/renew-membership/

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Results

Results

In excellent taste

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he Champions of the 2017 Sydney Royal Spring Fine Food Show, Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show and Callebaut Sydney Royal Chocolate Show were announced at the Taste of Excellence Awards night on 22 September. The sold-out event was held at The Stables, with guests dining on delectable Sydney Royal fare designed by Sydney Showground's Executive Chef, Tim Browne, using Sydney Royal medal winning produce and matched with award winning brews. For more winners please see pages 22-25. CHAMPION AQUACULTURE PRODUCT Doyle’s Oysters Plate and Bistro, Doyle’s Oysters, Batemans Bay NSW

And the winners are... CHAMPION PRAWN EXHIBIT Pacific Reef Tigers, Pacific Reef Fisheries, Ayr QLD CHAMPION SYDNEY ROCK OYSTER Doyle’s Oysters Plate and Bistro, Doyle’s Oysters, Batemans Bay NSW CHAMPION BARRAMUNDI Pejo Enterprises Barramundi Plate Size, Pejo Industries, Innisfail QLD CHAMPION FRESH FISH Murray Gold Murray Cod Plate Size, Murray Gold Australia, Toronto NSW CHAMPION SALMON PRODUCT Pialligo Estate Smokehouse, Atlantic Salmon Cold Smoked, Pialligo Estate ACT CHAMPION TROUT PRODUCT Whole Smoked Salmon Trout, ArcEn-Ciel Rainbow Trout, Hanging Rock NSW

WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

CHAMPION LATTE BLEND OR SINGLE ORIGIN Diva Fair Trade Blend, Diva Coffee, Belrose NSW CHAMPION BREAD Flinders Ranges Sprouted Wheat, Brasserie Bread, Banksmeadow NSW CHAMPION CAKE Salted Caramel Slice, Exquisite Cakes by Lennert, Cessnock NSW CHAMPION PASTRY Salted Caramel Tartlet, The Gumnut Patisserie Pty Ltd, Mittagong NSW BEST APPRENTICE/STUDENT EXHIBIT Blueberry & Custard Brioche/Raspberry Croissants/Vanilla Slice, Samantha Trotter, The Gumnut Patisserie, Mittagong NSW

Champions’ league Sydney Royal competitions run throughout the year setting benchmarks for excellence and supporting Australian agriculture. Winning a Championship or Trophy is a significant honour; here we celebrate the best of recent Shows. WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

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Results

2017 KPMG SYDNEY ROYAL WINE SHOW MAJOR TROPHY WINNERS THE KPMG PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST WINE OF SHOW John Hughes Wines, Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017, Tanunda SA THE TUCKER SEABROOK PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST STATE SHOW WINE John Hughes Wines, Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017, Tanunda SA THE ALBERT CHAN MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR BEST WHITE John Hughes Wines, Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017, Tanunda SA THE DR GILBERT PHILLIPS MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST RED St Hallett, Mattschoss Single Vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz 2015, Barossa SA WHITE THE DOUGLAS LAMB PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST RIESLING John Hughes Wines, Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017, Tanunda SA THE MCCARTHY PERPETUAL TROPHY

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FOR BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC Miles From Nowhere Winemakers, Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Margaret River WA THE DAVID CLARKE MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST SEMILLON Tyrrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd, Stevens Semillon 2011, Pokolbin NSW THE ARTHUR KELMAN PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST PINOT GRIS/ PINOT GRIGIO Lobethal Road Wines, Pinot Gris 2016, Adelaide Hills SA THE AP JOHN COOPERS PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST CHARDONNAY Flametree Wines, SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2016, Margaret River WA THE BERT BEAR MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST OTHER WHITE VARIETAL Nepenthe, Winemaker Select Gruner Veltliner 2016, Adelaide Hills SA THE HANAMINNO PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST SWEET WHITE De Bortoli Wines, 2013 Noble One Semillon, Riverina, NSW THE DAN MURPHY’S VALUE PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST VALUE WHITE

De Bortoli Wines, Noble One 2015, Riverina, NSW THE DAN MURPHY’S VALUE PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST VALUE WHITE Miles From Nowhere Winemakers, Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Margaret River WA THE DR HENRY JOHN LINDEMAN MEMORIAL PERPETUAL PRIZE FOR BEST MATURE WHITE Tyrrell’s Vineyards Pty Ltd, Stevens Semillon 2011, Pokolbin NSW THE RAS OF NSW ANNUAL PRIZE FOR BEST YOUNG WHITE John Hughes Wines, Rieslingfreak No. 3 Clare Valley Riesling 2017, Tanunda SA RED THE LESLIE KEMENY MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST ROSÉ Koonara Wines, Emily May Rosé Pinot Noir 2017, Coonawarra SA THE GEOFFREY CRUNDALL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST PINOT NOIR Meadowbank Wines, Pinot Noir 2016, Derwent Valley TAS THE DAN MURPHY’S PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST CABERNET

SAUVIGNON Hardys, Chronicles 7th Green Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, McLaren Vale SA THE JONES, STEAINS AND WALLER PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST CABERNET DOMINANT BLEND OR SHIRAZ DOMINANT BLEND Knappstein Winery, Insider Shiraz Malbec 2016, Clare SA THE DRINKS ASSOCIATION PERENNIAL TROPHY FOR BEST SHIRAZ St Hallett, Mattschoss Single Vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz 2015, Barossa SA THE WINE COMMUNICATORS OF AUSTRALIA PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST OTHER RED VARIETAL Amberley Wines, Merlot 2016, Margaret River WA THE GEORGE MACKEY MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR BEST VALUE RED Shingleback, Red Knot Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2016 McLaren Vale SA THE RUDY KOMON MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST MATURE RED Evans & Tate, Redbrook Shiraz 2012, Margaret River WA

SPARKLING THE THORP ANNUAL TROPHY FOR BEST SPARKLING WHITE OR ROSÉ House of Arras, Grand Vintage 2008, Pipers River Tas FORTIFIED THE JCM FORNACHON MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST FORTIFIED Saltram Wine Estate, Mr Pickwick Rare Tawny NV, Barossa Valley SA OTHER THE LEN EVANS MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST SINGLE VINEYARD WINE St Hallett, Mattschoss Single Vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz 2015, Barossa SA THE RESTAURANT & CATERING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST SMALL PRODUCER WINE Clonal Brothers, Amen Break Chardonnay 2015, Victorian Highlands VIC THE NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES JAMES BUSBY PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR BEST NSW WINE Tyrrell’s Vineyards, Vat 47 Chardonnay

2012, Pokolbin, NSW THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST JUDGE ANNUAL PRIZE Flametree Wines, SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2016, Margaret River WA THE STEWARDS’ ANNUAL PRIZE Koonara Wines, Emily May Rosé Pinot Noir 2017, Coonawarra SA

2017 CALLEBAUT SYDNEY ROYAL CHOCOLATE SHOW

CHAMPION CHOCOLATE Myrtle & Pepper Fine Chocolate, Native Australian Flavours – 12 Art-Inspired Chocolates CHAMPION CHOCOLATE - STUDENT Teng Teng Chow, Single Variety Moulded Chocolate

ALL IMAGES FROM SYDNEY ROYAL JUDGING

Results

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2017 SYDNEY ROYAL SPRING FINE FOOD SHOW REGIONAL FOOD CHAMPION SAVOURY PRESERVE A Taste of Plenty, Caramelised Capsicum CHAMPION SWEET PRESERVE The River Kitchen, Salted Caramel CHAMPION SPECIALITY PRODUCT Fudge By Rich, Divine Caramel and Macadamia Fudge CHAMPION REGION South East Queensland, Yarra Valley, Dandenongs & The Ranges, Victoria JUDGE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR REGIONAL EXPRESSION Singing Magpie Produce, Sun Dried Smyrna Quince BRANDED LAMB CHAMPION GRASS FED LAMB Milly Hill Lamb CHAMPION OPEN LAMB Milly Hill Lamb BRANDED PORK CHAMPION PORK Black Label Berkshire BRANDED BEEF CHAMPION WAGYU BEEF Stockyard Pty Ltd, CHAMPION GRASS FED BEEF Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd GRAND CHAMPION BEEF EXHIBIT Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd DELI MEAT CHAMPION SMALLGOODS PRODUCT Julianne’s Kitchen, Chicken and Madeira Paté CHAMPION BACON Bertocchi Smallgoods, Bertocchi Gold Aussie Bacon Short Rindless CHAMPION HAM Barossa Fine Foods, Fior Di Cotto,

CHAMPION DELI MEAT SPECIALITY PRODUCT Fettayleh Wholesale Meat, Basturma CHAMPION COOKED DELI MEAT Zammit Ham & Bacon Curers, Corned Silverside CHAMPION POULTRY PRODUCT Poachers Pantry, Smoked Duck Breast, CHAMPION DELI MEAT GOURMET PRODUCT Coles Supermarkets, Coles Chicken Pastries with Smoked Ham & Leek CHAMPION GOURMET SAUSAGE Edwards Family Butchery, Chilli Con Carne PASTA CHAMPION SPECIALITY PASTA Pasta Di Porto Pty Ltd, Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese) & Spring Onion Ravioli OLIVE OIL CHAMPION BOUTIQUE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Riverstone Olives, Riverstone Olives Verdale CHAMPION EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Varapodio Estate P/L, Varapodio Estate Gold CHAMPION VARIETAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE Varapodio Estate P/L, Varapodio Estate Gold CHAMPION FLAVOURED OLIVE OIL Kallewanda Pastoral Company, W20 Olives Lemon Agrumato CHAMPION OLIVES Gibson’s Grove, Gibson’s Grove Manzanillo Hand Picked Olives

2017 SYDNEY ROYAL BEER & CIDER SHOW CHAMPION BOTTLED BEER Bridge Road Brewers, Little Bling CHAMPION DRAUGHT BEER Gage Roads Brewing, Red Rye CHAMPION EXPERIMENTAL BEER Hope Brewhouse, Barrel Aged Extra Stout CHAMPION CIDER Carlton & United Breweries, Bonamy's Apple Cider

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Youth in Ag OPPOSITE: THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IS AN ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT FOR STUDENTS AND PRESENTERS. THIS PAGE: MICK MCCALL EXPLAINS THE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ONCE A HELICOPTER LICENCE IS OBTAINED.

O A PASTURE OF PUPILS

It is not just about farming; AgVision promotes the broad range of careers in agriculture and agri-business to secondary students in years 9-11. WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

riginally developed by Junee High School, AgVision is presented in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) thanks to the support of the Department of Primary Industries and TAFE NSW. Concerned that students were not seeing agriculture as a viable career, AgVision began as a way in which students could go to a practical lesson and actively learn rather than just sit through a lecture or presentation. From its initial focus on sustaining the rural community of Junee, AgVision now reaches students from the Riverina to Sydney Olympic Park and more than 80 schools in between. With agriculture accounting for more than $12 billion in production value for the New South Wales economy each year, the importance of encouraging continuing growth and development from the next generation cannot be underplayed. “The RAS is dedicated to the ongoing succession plan of young people following vocations within the agricultural sector,” said RAS General Manager Agriculture, Murray Wilton “We believe AgVision is a great model

to showcase to students the great depth and variety of careers in Ag.” AgVision builds networks between youth, industry and educators with the aim of cultivating careers in agriculture. Students are given hands-on experiences in their choice of 50 workshops. Gathered at AgVision this year, more than 500 students as fresh as the dew on a country farm turned their faces to the sun and listened as Danielle Krix, RAS Manager Agricultural Development set the scene. The AgDev team at the RAS had rounded up over 100 presenters for a day on the land only 18 kilometres from the centre of Sydney. With the city skyline in sight, clusters of kids were transported to a sheep station, a rural veterinarian’s practice and even a teletransporter cabin as they followed career pathways laid out by presenters around the Showgrounds. “Here today we’re seeing such a diverse

number of avenues and job paths that students can follow,” said Louisa Briggs, from Brisbane Water Secondary College. Agricultural teacher Briggs wants her students to explore options because of the global growth and development of Australian agriculture and believes this is an exciting time for students to be making career choices. The calibre and number of industry leaders presenting at AgVision, giving their time to the students, is important as well and impresses on Briggs’ students the value of agricultural professions. Mick McCall from United Aero Training is a Senior Helicopter Flight Instructor & Pilot who firmly believes if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Helicopter pilots are in demand in the growing field of aerial agriculture with pilots taking to the skies for mustering, firefighting, aerial surveys, seed sowing of crops and the application of both chemicals

It is an exciting time to be in agriculture with new innovations being adopted. Young people with the skills to take advantage of this can enjoy limitless opportunities and make a real difference.

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Youth in Ag

We sincerely thank the following donors and supporters for their generous support of the RAS Foundation in 2017. • AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES COUNCIL OF NSW

• HORIZON FOUNDATION

• REGIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK

• HUNTLY AND CATHERINE GORDON

• ROBERT RYAN OAM

• AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MAGAZINE

• JEMALONG IRRIGATION LIMITED

• ROBERT J WHITE AO

• BAYER AUSTRALIA LIMITED

• JOHN B FAIRFAX AO

• SNOW FOUNDATION

• B & B GAMES AND GOLDENWAY AMUSEMENTS

• DR GEORGE JACOBS AND DR JANICE HIRSHORN, MOGUL BRAHMAN STUD

• SUNRICE

• CARMEL DYER-PITROFF

• MARY AND PETER WEAL

• CHRISTOPHER CUFFE FOUNDATION

• SYDNEY ROYAL WINE COMMITTEE

• LEONIE LIVINGSTON

• COUNTRY VALLEY

• SYDNEY ROYAL DAIRY COMMITTEE

• MCLEAN FOUNDATION

• COWLED FOUNDATION

• TA FIELD FAMILY

• MICHAEL AND JENNY MILLNER

• DAVID AND BELINDA DAVIDSON

• UNE FOUNDATION

• NELL AND HERMON SLADE TRUST

• EUROMAID

• WATERFIELD CONSULTING

• EXPONET

• NSW STUD MERINO BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

• 2017 SUN RUN AND COLE CLASSIC DONORS

• FAIRFAX AGRICULTURAL MEDIA

• OCS FUN PTY LTD

• GRAHAM O’NEILL

• PEGASUS PRINT GROUP

• GRAINCORP

• RALI FOUNDATION

• HAWKESBURY VALLEY MEAT PROCESSORS

• RAS COUNCILLORS

• SUSAN MAPLE-BROWN

• RAS STAFF

To make a donation to the RASF, please visit www.rasf.org.au or call 02 9704 1234

RAS1117_RASF_Donors Ad_v1.indd 1

and fertilisers on crops and grazing land. McCall enjoyed the opportunity to join industry leaders and promote viable careers that do not always follow expected paths, “It might open your mind to do something different that you didn’t even think that’s what you wanted to do or could do”, he said. Pursuing a career in agriculture followed an interesting path for agvocate/blogger Aimee Snowden. Leaving school at the beginning of year 12, Aimee went to work on the family farm in the southern Riverina. Eventually, she secured an accounting traineeship but found the most satisfaction came from working with farming clients. She then studied an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture before undertaking Agricultural Business Management at university via distance studies. An incredibly proud farm girl, Snowden is aware of the need to promote the industry to future generations and does so in a way that absolutely connects. Little Brick Pastoral tells the story using the Lego® farmer, a 4.5cm tall man of the land. “If you love this industry, you should be promoting it and telling a positive story,” she said.

Playing with Lego® and taking photographs to post on Facebook or Twitter is not an obvious career choice but the audience is definitely there to receive it, “One of the most prolific users of Twitter in Australia is the farming community,” explains Snowden, and her little man is attracting plenty of positive attention. Of the 50 workshops run at AgVision, none carried the title of farmer. The closest students got was Dairy Manager Pat Buckley from Killarney Grove Dairy. He owns and runs a 150 head dairy farm and would not trade it for anything, but admitted the potential opportunities in his field also included genetics and field officer work rather than simply straight-up farming. The day did more to convince the young participants their potential professions lean towards research science, robotics, blogging, digital technology, consulting, marketing, work on the water and in the air. “It undoubtedly assists students to develop a broader understanding of jobs they did not even realise existed and what skill sets they have that might align with these exciting new careers", said Wilton. The future could still be on the farm

but the awareness of multi-layered career choices had grown. “The students are happy to see they don’t have to leave,” said Louisa Briggs, a sentiment echoed by the closing speaker of the day, Costa Georgiadis. Host of Gardening Australia with a passion for plants, people and produce, Georgiadis spoke directly to the students telling them they are the future feeders of the world whilst urging them to join the dots and follow a path. “Don’t run from the land, return to it because that’s where opportunities lie.” Technology can bring the world to your rural property, or take you anywhere you want to go without leaving the farm. Bloggers and journalists and genetic breeders and sales representatives can do it all from their regional home. “Look up and look out,” said Georgiadis, reiterating to his audience that once you are part of the AgVision community the opportunities are laid out for you, the connections are there to be made and you can make a difference. Choices abound no matter your interest, and though some may take you away from your land, they do not remove you from the land.  •

20/10/17 1:37 pm

Innovate. Disrupt. Expand. The Agriculture sector is breaking new ground, and those holding tight to traditional ways of working will be left behind. KPMG has the deep experience and foresight to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this bright new environment. KPMG.com.au © 2017 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. N15866LOB.

Easter Show SHOWGOERS CAN TAKE TO THE SKIES OR PLANT THEIR FEET FIRMLY IN THE COUNTRY

SRES flies high!

With events that straddle sky and earth, the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show is guaranteed to create wonderful memories for all the family.

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he first date Murray Wilton ever went on was to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It was a long time ago, during his teenage years, but he still has vivid memories of a superb day of adventure and fun. “I had my hair sprayed all different colours and then it poured with rain,” Wilton, now General Manager of Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show at RAS NSW, recalls. “We went on the roller coaster and I ended up covered in colour, from head to toe.” “During other Show visits when I was

young I remember you could buy a goldfish in a bag of water, for your tank. And my brother and I would sit on the lounge room floor after we'd been to the Show. We'd turn all our show bags upside down and put everything in one big pile, and we'd divvy things up.” Memories just like his are what the Show is all about, Wilton says. His goal with the Show in 2018 is to ensure that everybody who visits, whether they’re nine or 99, goes home with memories to last a lifetime. Along those lines, one of the newest and most spectacular opportunities for

WORDS CHRIS SHEEDY

2018 Show-goers will be the hot-air balloon experience. In the cool of early morning, a tethered balloon will take groups into the sky each day, above the main arena, for a Champagne breakfast. It will offer a bird’s eye view of the Show as it grooms itself to face another day of crowds climbing to figures in the hundreds of thousands. It will offer a unique and completely unbeatable view of the largest ticketed annual event in the Southern Hemisphere, including the early morning equestrian events taking place directly below. That’s an excellent start, but what

else do Wilton and his team have in store for the Show faithful in 2018?

GLAMPING AT THE SHOW

The Glamping experiment last year, which gave individuals and families the chance to stay overnight at the Show, is back. It’s bigger and better and open to the public. Imagine enjoying the fireworks show then wandering back to your own luxury camping accommodation in the showgrounds.

RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS

One theme of the 2018 live entertainment, including street parades, street theatre and the live evening performances, is ‘circus’. Some of the nation’s finest will be calling the Sydney Royal Easter Show ‘home’ in 2018, and there will be circus animals involved too! “Traditional circus animals will be brought to life through the wonder of animatronics,” Wilton says. “The main arena entertainment at night-time is still one of our key features, however, there will be a lot more

entertainment across the precinct during the day. So it doesn't matter what time you come, you’ll see some wonderful sights.” This includes circus-themed street theatre - fire-eaters, stilt walkers, acrobats and more. There will also be a twice-daily street parade, which is a throwback to Royal Easter Shows of years past.

ALL-DAY ENTERTAINMENT

In 2018 most of the performances, demonstrations and special events will take place numerous times throughout the day and night. Why the increased regularity of performances and special events? As Easter in 2018 doesn’t coincide with school holidays, Wilton says the Show organisers understand that it could be more difficult for families to visit for an entire day. So for those who have to fit it all in within a

morning or an afternoon, they’ll be able to do so. And those staying for the entire day now have more flexibility in their schedule.

LITTLE HANDS ON THE LAND A smash hit at the 2017 Royal Easter Show, Little Hands on The Land will return, taking children through the agricultural experience, from cow milking to egg collecting and from sheep shearing to apple picking. The interactive experience teaches children how goods from the land go out to the market, and how important our local agricultural producers are.

GO GOURMET IN THE STABLES If fine food, craft beer and top-end wine are your thing, The Stables is the place to visit. Proving the Sydney Royal Easter Show isn’t only about the kids and their food-on-a-stick, the restaurants and watering holes within The Stables serve

"Of course, we're going to be finishing off each night with fireworks, as we always do."

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Easter Show memories are based on coming to the Show year after year,” explains Wilton. All together, the Show adds up to an experience that is far greater than the sum of its parts, one that leaves visitors with the memories Wilton cherishes. “So I get a bit chuffed when I see so many people coming to the Show year after year and having such a great time. It means we're doing it right. It’s testament to the work we do.” •

THE FIRST CUT

VOLORE SAE EVELLUP TATIAE PELICIP SUNTUSAE NEM QUE DOLUPTATE PLITA VOLUPTA TISSITI SCILIBE ATQUIA QUE

only the very best of NSW produce. And if you find something you want to take home, visit the fine-food markets, containing many Sydney Royal award winning products. “The Stables is our high-end food offering,” Wilton says. “Increasingly the Show is about showcasing the absolute best food offerings from New South Wales agriculture.” The Woolworths Fresh Food Dome will be heaving with the state’s freshest fruit, veges and the crowd-favourite District Exhibits.

FOOD TRUCK PARK

Speaking of food options, one sector of the showgrounds will be for food trucks to park and ply their popular trade. From pizzas to pancakes, boutique burgers to luscious laksas, food truck dining across the State has skyrocketed in terms of quality. Some of the nation’s finest motorised meal maestros will be strutting their stuff at the Show.

MEMBERS EAT FOR LESS

A special surprise for RAS members at

the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show is a five per cent discount on any meals purchased within the Show. The discount applies to everything, from a hot dog and chips to a five-star meal in The Stables. So don’t eat before you arrive!

SHOWBAGS

Once companies discovered crowds gathered in the thousands at agricultural shows, it became an excellent way to reach a large proportion of the population quickly and expose them to new things. “Products were placed into showbags, giving showgoers the first taste of all sorts of new things – Vegemite, baked beans, jams etc.” Today showbags are all about fun, and the 2018 Show will boast more than 300 showbags for people of all ages. So there’s plenty planned for the 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show, and still more announcements to be made. “Talk to anybody who has been to the Easter Show and they will always tell you about how good it was and their highlights,” he says. “It’s always based on memories, and not necessarily from last year. The

There were will be woodchips flying at the ‘Wimbledon of Woodchop’ when competitors from around the world arrive bearing axes to grind against Australia’s best. The Woodchopping & Sawing competition at the Show, renowned as the largest and most prestigious in the world, requires 4,500 logs and 130 tree poles. With competitor and entry numbers close to doubling over the last ten years, almost half a million people claim a seat in the Woodchop Stadium to see the hottest chips at the Show. Taking on men and women from New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Spain and Wales, our homegrown talent dominates, making the sport a vital attraction, as it has been since first appearing in 1899. With 70 events, Woodchop includes five World Titles and the Men’s and Ladies’ International Relay Series. Women’s involvement in Australia began with the ‘Jack and Jill’ sawing division – often a husband and wife team – but these days women can enter ‘Jill and Jill’ sawing, underhand chop and single-handed sawing competitions. Two members of the Australian Ladies’ International Relay Team have returned home with blades of glory from the 2017 Lumberjack World Championship in Hayward, Wisconsin. Australian Team Underhand cutter Caroline Wassink won the Women's Underhand World Championship, slicing through her log in a time of 28.11 seconds. Australian team captain Amanda Beams is now the World Record Holder for the Women's Underhand World Championship after breaking the previous record in the qualifying round.

Driving Business For Your Brand Whether you’re booking exhibition space, sponsoring an event or hosting clients the Show offers the perfect place to highlight your brand and connect with up to 850,000 customers. Call Paul Bowd on 02 9704 1151 to tailor a business solution for your brand.

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WHAT’S IN A BRAND?

IMAGE: NAME/SHUTTERSTOCK

From breakfast to dessert, does the brand matter?

WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

uesli with a message from the producer on the packaging, telling us the muesli was created on their own farm sells for twice the price of supermarket own brand or mass produced large manufacturer muesli. However, each variety features Australian fruit and all are packaged using factory machinery and were not gently scooped into each packet by hand. Does the farmer’s signature on the package justify the price being triple that of the supermarket own brand muesli? Would you prefer a boutique-style mushroom soup because the packaging tells you it comes from fourth generation mushroom farmers “in the picturesque Hawkesbury District” over supermarket own brand creamy mushroom soup which is also made in Australia using “a blend of Australian grown button and portobello mushrooms”? Does the geographic pointer on the label motivate the purchase? Supermarket own brand chicken breast fillets are RSPCA approved and only come from Australian chickens, so surely they are just as delicious and nutritious as the chicken breast that is packaged with an invitation to go online and meet the farmer. Does the story on the label influence the perception of quality? Are we that interested in the story behind our food or do we just care that it comes from Australia? Does cheese taste better if the label tells you that it comes “From the renowned region of Shoalhaven on the South Coast of NSW” even if you are buying it alongside supermarket own brand cheese that is produced in Gippsland, the heartland of Australia’s dairy farming? Does the background story on the label manipulate the consumer? Packaging is a key part of any marketing plan and supermarket success or failure of a new product can be influenced by the design. Packaging Design is offered as a component in both Marketing and Design degrees at Australian universities. Packaging should stand out and be

easily noticed and readily recognised. Research carried out by the University of South Australia suggests consumers evaluate colours, imagery, shapes, sizes and typefaces before deciding on whether to try a new product or which one to take off the supermarket shelf and place in their basket or trolley. Imagery, colours and typefaces have the strongest pull and are manipulated most by package designers. However, the marketing psychology is no longer constantly trumping a home-grown preference by Australian consumers. What we are reading on the packaging

Consumers readily accept that predominantly green packaging means organic, natural script fonts are favoured for their reassuring influence and pleasing images on packaging can influence our taste perception. and label is becoming more important. CSIRO research this year discovered more people were interested in food labels that showed country of origin (35%) than nutritional information (20.9%) or health claims (4.6%). But how many are truly interested in knowing Peter from Mangrove Mountain bred that chicken or Jacob from Tamworth raised those beef cattle on a farm his family has worked for three generations? Paul Diamond, Publisher of Selector Magazine, believes consumers are weary of own brands that bear no identity, “Customers want to feel connected to their food… (and want) real products from real people”.

Diamond considers telling the stories behind the product is important and outdoes all else, “Food lovers care more about the quality of the products they buy, where it comes from than they do the price”. Consumers want to know where their food comes from, that is without doubt and has helped drive the Country of Origin labelling scheme (compulsory by July 2018). However, does this override the desire for value for money and savings at the check-out? Research carried out by Colmar Brunton market research firm reveals price is the top consideration for 80% of respondents, with Australian made rating for 64% of those surveyed and Australian owned important for 52%. Brand ranked slightly higher at 58% but is nowhere near as important as price and unit pricing (66%), indicating supermarket own brand products are perfectly acceptable to consumers. Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign, Ian Harrison, said the Colmar Brunton results proved Australian consumers want to buy Australian produce. “The finding that an ‘Australian made’ claim ranks second behind price factors in the information shoppers are looking for clearly establishes that they want to know where their food is coming from and where their products are made. Primarily they want to buy Australian made and Australian grown,” Harrison said. Brand matters when there is a scare or a recall or support for a cause or a drive towards ethical consumption. When our dairy farmers were in trouble consumers turned their backs on cheap supermarket own brand milk and paid a price premium to show support and feel united as consumers. Ethical intent matched ethical behaviour but eventually, consumers returned to the cheaper milk and supermarket own brand milk reclaimed its sixty per cent share of the market. Locally made brands are growing in popularity according to research company IRI and supermarkets are clearing shelf space for them, but for now, value for money is still the driving force for grocery shopping in Australia. •

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RAS Heritage AN ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT FOR CHILDREN THROUGH THE YEARS, THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH CAREFULLY CHOSEN NURSERY ANIMALS

Oh baby! For over 60 years the Farmyard Nursery at the Show has delighted families, bringing close encounters of the baby animal kind to city kids. Two unique friends got together to start it, and for decades it ran on their enthusiasm.

H

e was the kind of boy who was always getting into trouble at boarding school for having white mice in his pocket or a guinea pig in his locker. Meet David White. He just couldn’t leave animals alone. At home on the family property Havilah, near Mudgee, he had more dogs than anyone could count and a poultry collection which did pretty well at the local Show. When he grew up nothing

much changed – just the scale. At last no one could say no. At Mudgee Show as a fourteen year old, David met another young fellow the same age, also keen on poultry. It was Pat Birchall, a town kid with an entrepreneurial streak who sold eggs and meat birds to support his interest in breeding poultry for competition. They became friends and both went on to be top poultry judges as adults, often travelling together to judge at the same

WORDS VICKI HASTRICH

shows, David doing hard-feather classes while Pat judged soft. Climbing out of the car at the end of each trip, they must have looked a mismatched pair of mates: at well over six foot tall, David towered over Pat. It was during one of these road trips in the mid 1960s that the pair first discussed setting up an animal nursery at the Sydney Show. One had opened at the Melbourne Royal, and David asked Pat what he thought of the idea.

At the time there wasn’t much on offer at the Sydney Show for children. Yes, there were showbags and rides, but there weren’t any hands-on agricultural activities to help bridge the growing divide between the experiences of city kids and country kids. With the post-war population explosion, brick and tile suburbs burst outward, increasingly into parts of Sydney’s Cumberland Plain which had been productive land. In lots of small ways, too, personal links between the bush and city were breaking. Farm holidays with rural relatives were becoming less common. And Young Farmers’ Clubs, once dotted across the metropolitan area as well as the regions, were in decline. Chooks weren’t kept much in backyards anymore, and for the first time new generations were coming through not sure how milk got into bottles. An animal nursery would be educational and entertaining, but it would also help put kids back in emotional touch with the agricultural sector. For David White, young and newly elected to the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) and a

In the Nursery's early days Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Committee Members brought in their own young farm animals, or relied on generous friends and farming contacts. mad-keen animal lover, this was the ideal project. Pat Birchall agreed to do everything he could to help, and was good for his word. Every Easter, for the next 30 years, he took annual leave from his job with the Mudgee Shire Council to oversee the practical side of the enterprise. Early committee members for the Animal Nursery (as it was first known) were RAS Council heavyweights John Downes and Archibald Howie . Another was the well-known philanthropist John Hallstrom, a fellow with relevant experience given he was then Director of Taronga Park Zoo. In the beginning the Nursery display was modest. Committee members offered some of their own animals for use and called in favours from contacts. The minutes of meetings read like bidding at a

poker game: I’ll bring two goats if you get six guinea pigs and a turkey. It was all top quality stock, with loans in good faith from some of the country’s best breeders. Mares and foals, for instance, were supplied by the legendary horse and pony stud breeder Mary Willsallen. Exhibitors competing in the Domestic Animals section brought in dogs with pups and cats with kittens. Specially bred newborn lambs came from the Rawdon property in Rylstone. From the outset the public loved the display and it quickly grew, expanding several times into larger venues. Increasingly, David and Pat took over responsibility for sourcing animals, and for the sake of convenience most were found in the Mudgee area. Local goat breeder and all-round animal whiz Darryl Bishop provided many, while Pat

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RAS Heritage

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THE FASHION MAY HAVE CHANGED BUT LITTLE ELSE HAS, THE NURSERY IS STILL THE NUMBER ONE ATTRACTION FOR MANY YOUNG SHOW VISITORS

and his wife Dot raised birds and cavies as their contribution. Timing was a big issue. Many animals had to be specially mated out of their usual season to make Easter babies. On the Sunday before each Show all the animals were brought to Havilah to be loaded onto a semi-trailer. Packing and stacking the chickens, the pigs, the ferrets, the calves and the everythingelse in all their different-sized cages was an enormous job. When the vehicle finally rumbled off down the road it looked like the Beverley Hillbillies heading to town. At the Showground, settling in took several days. The single biggest job was to prepare the sixty baby lambs provided for children to bottle-feed. First, they were taught to drink, and then each was washed to look its snowy-white best for opening day. Pat supervised the Nursery for the duration of each Show, and with so many little lives in his hands with their different feeds and needs, it was a big responsibility. At night, sleeping in the Nursery office, he’d wake instantly to

YOUNG AND OLD, ALL LOVE A CHANCE TO FEED A NEW FRIEND

any unusual bleat or rustle. Every day David White did the rounds, checking in to see if Pat needed anything. Always conscious of taking an expert poultry man away from his first love, he made sure Pat had time off to continue his judging. For David and Pat the reward was huge. To see kids’ faces light up as they held a chook, petted a rabbit, watched piglets play or eggs hatch – these encounters were priceless. In later years, the best result of all was to meet adults who had bottle-fed lambs as kids, returning with their own children. Always the most patient mums and dads in the queue, they were determined to pass on an experience they treasured. In 1990, aged 59, David White died prematurely. The RAS lost one of its favourite Councillors. Universally dubbed ‘a good man’, ‘a champion bloke’,

there was never a bad word said about him. His passing was a blow to many, including Pat. Pat kept on with the Farmyard Nursery for a few more years, but without David, it never felt the same. After the 1994 Show he retired. The Nursery Committee, responding to calls to make the display even more interactive, decided to outsource the whole operation. More than double the number of animals would be needed to ensure all could be properly rested, and the logistics of finding, feeding and caring for so many more creatures was beyond what the RAS itself could reasonably manage. At the 1997 and 1998 Shows (the last at Moore Park and the first at Sydney Olympic Park) the new innovation of a Sheep Maternity Ward was introduced. Here visitors could watch lambs being

To see the faces of little ones light up as they held a chook, petted a rabbit and watched piglets play was the only reward the two friends needed.

born. As a symbol – new life coming forth from old – it perfectly reflected future hopes for the Show as it went about relocating. Great mileage was made of the attraction, with announcements published each day in the births column of the Sydney Morning Herald. Children won naming rights. Twins, triplets and even quintuplets were proudly celebrated: Brihannah, Snoopy, Kristjan and Felicity, just a few of the darling newcomers welcomed. Today the Farmyard Nursery is styled as an open-plan indoor paddock, filled with free-range animals welcoming the attention of the young and the young-atheart. Little goats, perhaps the most robust of all the babies, seem to particularly enjoy themselves, coming up close to shove their curious faces into those of inquisitive toddlers. A lovely quiet hum of busyness pervades the place as kids and animals set their own agendas, heading wherever they please. At this year’s Show, another agricultural experience for children was launched with the “Little Hands on the Land” initiative. Here young Showgoers

There's a fascinating sense of peace amongst the excitement as the animals follow the children and the children follow the animals, all finding the one they'd like to stop and talk to. went on a journey, playing as farmers and doing all their chores - picking apples, collecting eggs, milking cows and digging up vegetables. It’s a unique, educational experience that’s also enormous fun. Over 30,000 Showgoers tested it out but there is a long way to go before the popularity of the Farmyard Nursery is overtaken. Nearly half of all visitors to the Showground called in to the Nursery, stats which haven’t substantially changed since David and Pat’s heyday.

Pat Birchall can’t get around much anymore. He’s 86 and couldn’t make it to this year’s Show. But when he talks about his time at the Nursery, his voice strengthens. ‘It was David’s friendship which kept me going all those years. And that’s something I’ll always cherish because he was a great man.’ The Farmyard Nursery, built on goodwill and cooperative effort like so many RAS endeavours, is the ongoing legacy of two fine friends. •

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What’s on

What’s on AT SYDNEY SHOWGROUND | SYDNEYSHOWGROUND.COM.AU

SYDNEY PREGNANCY & NEWBORN SPECIAL EXPO 11 – 12 NOVEMBER This special Expo focuses on the start of the pregnancy journey through to your first year with your newborn. Exhibitors and experts will be on hand to guide you through birthing options, breastfeeding, newborn care, safety and more associated with your pregnancy and bundle of joy. pbcexpo.com.au/sydney-special

SENSATION 25 NOVEMBER

Committed to innovation and excellence, Sensation has earned the distinction of being The World’s Leading Dance Event. With ‘Celebrate Life’ as the theme, Spotless Stadium will hold the very first outdoor festival edition in Sensation history.

sensationaus.com

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

NAB AFL DRAFT

ROUND 7 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 18 November 2017 ROUND 9 BRISBANE ROAR 2 December 2017 ROUND 20 NEWCASTLE JETS 16 February 2018 ROUND 22 PERTH GLORY 4 March 2018

Streaming live from 7pm on the AFL Live Official App and televised on Fox Footy, the AFL draft returns to Sydney Showground for the first time since 2012. Every current player has come through the draft system and each club must have at least three selections in the Draft.

WOMENS OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

HOT IMPORT NIGHTS

24 NOVEMBER 2017

A real hub for women to discover new trends, find inspiration, meet new people, sign up for training courses, plan ahead and get fully kitted out before booking their next adventure.

10 DECEMBER A curated event that will motivate and celebrate the local elite of the modified car community while retaining the aspects and values that make the American brand unique, focusing on vibrant entertainment, car models and youth culture.

shewentwild.com/womensadventure-expo-sydney/

hotimportnights.com.au/category/ cars/

3 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

16-24 DECEMBER Experience the enchantment of the North Pole with a Christmas extravaganza. An affordable family day out in the heart of Sydney, with a single entry fee enabling you access to rides, ice skating, snow play, Christmas activities, shows and more. ticketmaster.com.au/ christmaswonderland-tickets

BBL SYDNEY THUNDER

SATURDAY 22 - SUNDAY 23 JULY

WALKER STALKER CONVENTION

V SYDNEY SIXERS 19 December 2017 V HOBART HURRICANES 1 January 2018 V ADELAIDE STRIKERS 7 January 2018 V PERTH SCORCHERS 11 January 2018

3-4 FEBRUARY The largest zombie, horror and sci-fi convention in the WORLD. This guarantees to be an unforgettable experience for everyone from the diehard fan, to families, to those with an ever-growing interest in the genre. Two full days of one-of-a-kind experiences, exclusive panels, cosplay, and celebrity guests. walkerstalkercon.com/sydney/

TRAVEL EXPO 2018

EASTER SHOW 2018

Not only is this the perfect platform for creative couples to gain inspiration from our hand-picked wedding vendors in the planning of their big day, but a fun way to spend a Sunday with their friends/ family/bridal party.

10-11 FEBRUARY Showcasing air, land, cruise and rail suppliers as well as tourism bodies, hotels and attractions from around the world and a large selection of travel service suppliers. Includes free travel presentations, a kids zone, virtual reality experiences and many other displays. Plus hundreds of exclusive expo deals and travel experts to assist in planning your dream holiday.

bridesdayout.com.au

travelexpo.net.au/travel-expo

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! eastershow.com.au/tickets-deals/

BRIDES BIG DAY OUT 4 FEBRUARY

23 MARCH -3 APRIL First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event. Every Easter the country and the city join together at Sydney Showground for agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and more.

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RAS Foundation

10 great stories from 10 good years Created in 2007 as the charitable arm of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the RAS Foundation (RASF) is celebrating ten years of helping to build strong, vibrant rural and regional communities.

B

y providing a range of grants and scholarships for education and community development funding, along with support and encouragement, the RASF can help create robust sustainable rural communities now and into the future. The RASF has given a total of $2,868,500 to individuals and

communities for an incredibly diverse range of projects including a mobile agricultural trailer and equipment for a Coonamble school, a fitness centre for the remote population in Oaklands, pilot training and a pesticide licence for a Narrabri student, a kitchen for Deniliquin Rovers Football & Netball Clubhouse, pharmacy studies for a student in Bookham, veterinary studies

WORDS MEREDYTH HAYES BELL

for a Nabiac student, new fencing at Kyogle Showground and many more. SEATS AND SHADE AT TAREE SHOWGROUND - a Community Futures Grant went to Laura Polson to create a more welcoming and comfortable home for Taree Show. The project, initiated when Laura became Taree Showgirl, engaged a local Indigenous sculpture artist, Russell Saunders, to carve new

seating out of local timber. Taree Men’s Shed, Manning River Agricultural & Horticultural Society, and Tidy Up Taree lent a hand to see the project come to life. NARRANDERA COMMUNITY KITCHEN – wanting to address poor nutrition and irregular meal patterns in his community, farm labourer Ashley Murphy applied for a Community Futures Grant. Not only did the town of Narrandera receive the money, they also received a free kitchen, courtesy of Bunnings, from the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Grant money upgraded the community hall to use for cooking classes, a weekly soup kitchen and a food education program for young people. PLANNING FOR A RURAL FUTURE – Amanda Carnegie was able to balance work and university demands thanks to a Rural Scholarship whilst studying for her Bachelor of Planning (Honours). Relocating to Sydney for university was an overwhelming experience but made easier in part by the support financially and holistically from the RASF. Amanda is now repaying the kindness in her position as Regional Planner with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, using her first-hand knowledge to support a prosperous regional NSW. LOBBYING FOR FARMERS – dreaming of a career in a busy newsroom, Simone Norrie was a worthy winner of the JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism when studying a Bachelor of Communications. Her close involvement with the RAS opened her eyes to the powerful combination of agriculture and media and opened doors networking with like-minded scholars. Representing farmers in the South West region of the NSW Farmers Association, Simone’s work now involves writing releases, speaking to members of Parliament, representing farmers amongst industry groups, organising forums, posting online content and more. A BIG, SAFE RED ENVIRONMENT – a mobile youth centre drives around the Hastings Valley region thanks to a Community Futures Grant and a range of young adults from community organisations including the aLive Youth Group. An alcohol and drug-free zone, the Big Red Bus fosters a sense of belonging and purpose amongst the young, with sporting equipment, computer gaming technology, and a café. The instantly recognisable, and warmly welcoming, bus makes an appearance at local events and regularly provides

dinner for young people with nowhere else to go. FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW – investment in the town of Trundle saw a boost, along with local pride when Andrew Rawsthorne applied for a Community Futures Grant. The money assisted with the renovation of a series of derelict shops on Trundle’s iconic Main Street, bringing new life and community spirit to the area and attracting new businesses. Turning three long-abandoned stores into a physiotherapist office, an office for Landcare and a shop for the Trundle Royal Far West Sub branch has also led to the opening of a supermarket, a boutique cinema, cake shop and even a new park. AGRICULTURE AND ALPACAS – sustainable, efficient and effective livestock production has been the motivating force behind Amber O’Neill’s Veterinary studies. Aware of the stress rural placements impose on students, Amber took advantage of the financial assistance a Rural Scholarship provides to help manage her commitment to study with the ongoing costs associated with her course. Amber’s passion for Alpacas will also be rewarded; the networking opportunities the RAS Scholarship provide has seen her link with like-minded people and her goal of running an Alpaca workshop is coming closer to fruition. BLAME IT ON THE FRENCH – it was during an end of school holiday through Europe that Brendan Carter discovered the wine regions of France and his enthusiasm for the business of wine has never waned. Recognising his Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship win as a steep learning curve, Brendan Carter was able to make the most of business connections, wine show opportunities and the cash prize to fast track his wine business and standing within the industry. Spending time as a Steward at the Sydney Royal Wine Show gave Brendan insights and professional contacts he otherwise would spend years cultivating. REFUGEE CAMP TO DEDICATED DOCTOR – born in a Bhutanese refugee camp, Ram Khanal never imagined he would study for his Bachelor of Medical Science at the Australian National University. His desire to become a doctor was born through his 16 years of refugee life, turning it into a reality was a testament to his hard work, dedication

and a financial helping hand from a Rural Scholarship. Ram has returned the kindness by putting together a cricket team of Bhutanese refugees to compete each summer for the Bhutanese Ashes, a benefit for his rural community and refugees trying to fit in. A CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RAS – focusing on dairy production and the importance of milk, Cassie McDonald is entwined with the RAS in every means possible. A Rural Scholarship provided much-needed assistance for her Bachelor of Veterinary Science/Veterinary Biology double degree, whilst her experience as a State Finalist in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition exposed her to the social aspects of developing contacts and mentor relationships. Cassie has continued her RAS involvement, running the Working Dairy at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and working with like-minded peers for a bright future for agriculture as a member of the RAS Youth Group. • To find out how to help the RASF deliver more great stories, visit www.rasnsw.com. au/foundation/

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