Chief Executive Update - December 2020

As we approach the end of 2020, there is great optimism and enthusiasm about the year ahead.

We are particularly buoyed by RASNSW recently announcing that the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show will proceed from April 1-12. We look forward to Sydney Royal being a huge success and that all agricultural Shows around Australia return bigger and better in 2021.

In further positive news, the RASV recently received confirmation that our application for a Federal Funding Grant has been formally approved. The Federal Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. David Littleproud MP made the announcement that the Royal Melbourne Show was one of 77 Victorian shows that would receive funding as part of the Federal Governments Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. The media release link is provided for your reference.

In another big step forward for the events industry, the Victorian Government recently announced a Public Events Framework to enable event organisers to deliver COVID-Safe events for Victorians to enjoy.

With the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have seen increased activity onsite at Melbourne Showgrounds. The recent opening of the Disney Outdoor Cinema has been very popular with sessions during December already Sold out.

We have taken advantage of the restricted visitor access in recent months and commenced further upgrades to the Victoria Pavilion. Our audio-visual partner, Encore Event Solutions are installing new equipment including projectors, large screens, an upgraded PA system and bespoke lighting. This highly flexible arrangement will elevate the Victoria Pavilion as one of Melbourne’s most impressive function venues that can cater for 1,300 guest banquet style.

In early January, the RASV would usually be involved in the Stock & Land Beef Week as facilitators of the RASV Heifer Challenge. Due to the uncertainty of COVID restrictions and in particular the movement of people intra and interstate we have chosen to postpone our involvement until 2022. I wish Stud Beef Victoria and the Committee all the very best for the 2021 Stock & Land Beef Week and I look forward to us working together again in the future.

In this past fortnight, RASV Directors Matt Coleman, Jason Ronald OAM and Dr Catherine Ainsworth and I have hosted meetings with the Chairs of RASV Competition Committees and Industry Advisory Groups. It was an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution to the RASV and to provide a forum for feedback and discussion. It was particularly pleasing to hear their positivity and enthusiasm about our vision for Melbourne Showgrounds and the plans for the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show.

This year has been remarkably challenging and I am most grateful for the support and understanding of our staff and extremely proud of what we have delivered and achieved considering the circumstances.

There is great optimism about the year ahead, particularly as we look forward to finalising our vision to shape Our Showgrounds, Our Future and once again hold events for Victorians to enjoy including the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show.

The RASV administration office will close for an extended period from 12 noon Friday 18 December 2020 and will reopen at 9am on Monday 18 January 2021.

Thank you for your ongoing support and I wish you and your families the very best for the festive season and the new year. Brad Jenkins Chief Executive Officer

Brad Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer