CEO Update: February 2025

Two of the new trophies are Champion Australian Independent Beer and Champion Australian Independent Brewery – a historic first for the Awards in support the Australian independent brewing industry.

With the highly anticipated event being a sell-out the past two years, I encourage you to act fast to secure your ticket for the trophy presentation, which will be held in the Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds on Thursday 15 May.

Melbourne Royal’s Australian Distilled Spirits Awards are expanding in 2025 to include international entries for the first time. This exciting development will attract a diverse global field of producers, from small craft distilleries to large international brands.

The newly badged Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards will highlight an unparalleled range of spirits, from handcrafted masterpieces to innovative large-scale productions, recognising the best the industry has to offer by benchmarking spirits, liqueurs, aromatics and vermouths.

 

A hive of activity at Melbourne Showgrounds

As a highlight of the annual calendar at Melbourne Showgrounds, the 2025 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Super Show returns and is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. Held from February 19 – 23, the epic event is a must-attend for adventurers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Best wishes to Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) CEO Daniel Sahlberg and his team ahead of what will be a fantastic show. Further details can be found here.

March will bring Australia’s largest showcase of guitars, products and musicians to Melbourne Showgrounds for the Melbourne Guitar Show, which will coincide with an influx of animal lovers at The Pet Show. The Victorian Careers & Employment Expo will close out a busy month for Melbourne Showgrounds, with the free event showcasing over 100 organisations and employers offering career opportunities for all ages.

 

Agricultural Show movement convene on the Gold Coast

Dedicated to supporting and championing the next generation of leaders in the agricultural show movement, the Agricultural Shows Australia 2025 Conference was recently held at the Gold Coast.

Themed as reimaging an icon, the conference offered value by exploring diverse perspectives through inspiring keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and collaborative panels to provide actionable insights and innovative ideas.

Discussions focused on creating unforgettable experiences for patrons, bridging the gap between historical heritage and the ever-changing modern landscape, and the critical importance of agricultural education in urban and metropolitan areas.

The conference also delved into the potential of AI to assist with show planning, including entertainment, dates, and copywriting, as well as exploring best practices and trends in event ticketing.

Melbourne Royal was well represented at the conference, with Melbourne Royal Director Dr Catherine Ainsworth, Darren Keating, Di Silvestro, Nicole Blandthorn, Kate Dryden, Taylor Blayney, Bianca Monteiro, Grace Usher and Kaari Rowell all in attendance.

 

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness the Melbourne Royal Board, management and staff announce the recent passing of Peter Heagney and Carol Mazurek.

Peter was a long-time figure at Melbourne Royal, where he devoted countless hours to the Horses in Action (HIA) competition, volunteering generously to ensure the success of events and the well-being of the equestrian community.

In recent years, Peter undertook the role of arena announcer, with his presence adding warmth and familiarity to the event.

Carol held various roles at Melbourne Royal for more than 43 years and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 1994 for her contributions to the organisation.

Our thoughts are with Peter and Carol’s families during this time.

On a personal note, I am recovering well following recent hip surgery. I am sincerely grateful for all the support and well wishes I have received pre and post operation. I look forward to returning to the office in the next couple of weeks and being able to walk freely around Melbourne Showgrounds, particularly during the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show!