Melbourne Royal Show Highlights
The 2023 Melbourne Royal Show was inaugurated by His Excellency David Hurley, the Governor-General, at 11:30 am on the opening day, Thursday, September 21, in the Horses in Action Arena. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Melbourne Royal, the event featured the participation of 100 personnel from Australia's Federation Guard, the Air Force Band, and a flypast by an Air Force Roulette aircraft and historic aircraft from No. 100 Squadron, all joining to formally welcome the Governor-General.
As part of the 175th celebrations, Show visitors in 2023 appreciated the pop-up Melbourne Royal Museum, the historic timeline wall located alongside the Poultry Pavilion, and heritage displays within the competition areas.
A family enjoys the Museum displays.
The museum displays
A 1950s laughing clown game was a highlight of the items on display in the museum.
Cabinets featuring heritage trophies and videos describing the history of Melbourne Royal in the Museum.
A wall showcasing cattle brands helped people remember with studs and farms.
The display in the Poultry Pavilion featured heritage breeds of poultry as well as heritage objects and stories.
The Horses in Action Arena showcased its own timeline and heritage images.
The Dogs Pavilion showcased fun facts about the history of the All Breeds Championship and heritage images.
Current perpetual trophies from the Heritage Collection in the Livestock Lounge.
Art, Craft and Cookery heritage in the Spotlight Makers' Pavilion.
Read the full Timeline Wall below.
On September 24, a 175th Celebration Luncheon was held in the MasterChef Pavilion. The event featured a talk on the history of Melbourne Royal by Kenneth Park and the presentation of the Emerging Leader awards and the 2023 VAS Rural Ambassador award.
Melbourne Royal Board of Directors. L-R: Darrin Grimsey, Dr Catherine Ainsworth (Deputy Chair), Dr Peter Hertan, Tina Savona, Brad Jenkins (CEO), Matt Coleman (President & Chair), Noelene King OAM, Jason Ronald OAM, Kate O'Sullivan.
Kenneth Park presenting