Learn more about the people who have helped to shape Melbourne Royal’s 175 years of history through ‘Faces & Families of Melbourne Royal’ – a project featuring almost 100 inspirational stories that acknowledge and celebrate the people who have dedicated their time, knowledge and passion to making a positive difference for the organisation. Melbourne Royal is nothing without the close-knit network of people who make it so special – people whose voices we have been privileged to capture and showcase here.
Leading the Show to the new Showgrounds
Founding father, the first President.
One of Australia’s pioneering pastoral empires.
150 years of service from the Buchanan Family. From the birth of the National Agricultural Society of Victoria to celebrating its 150th Anniversary, the Buchanan family have been there every step of the way.
Establishing roads, railways and the foundation for Melbourne Royal
The architects behind the Showgrounds.
A connecting link in the formation of the Society
Honorary Solicitors
How £500 and one determined man changed Victoria’s agricultural path
Agriculture stalwart and owner of cow with the most milk
Three decades as secretary of the National Agricultural Society of Victoria.
Influential politician of the late 19th and early 20th century
An avenue that serves as an enduring reminder of one family’s influence.
The First On-Site Secretary-Manager
Charismatic, Forceful, Loveable: ‘you’ll know a Greaves Boy when you meet one’
Hailed as the ‘grand old man of our dog world’ revered at Show
The Cliff Stand; a memorial to farm machinery manufacturing.
Conviction of character earns councillor a lasting legacy
The Anderson family’s century-long dairy cattle connection
Navigating uncertainty during trying times. Secretary-Manager from 1931-53 Louis Monod navigated The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria through some difficult periods, ultimately resulting in his contentious resignation.
Landmarks serve as a symbol of the Nicholas family’s legacy.
The birth of the CWA’s much-loved Tea Rooms.
Passion for Clydesdales still felt today
Origins of the Dugdale Theatre and Cattle Sale Ring
Steering Victoria’s agricultural and sporting futures
High Court judge, dog lover and trotting pioneer
The family providing thrills for show goers for four generations
Chief Stewardess of the Art, Craft and Cookery Competition for 15 years
Hazel Bradford’s name is synonymous with the horse ring at the Melbourne Royal Show.
A memorial for a friend creates a prestigious event
A family synonymous with Clydesdales
Remembering “an Australian stockman”
The Show must go on despite floods
Constitutional change to honour a man who transformed the society
Links to the Crown, destined to have an affiliation with Melbourne Royal
Ringmaster leaves Olympic legacy on Royal Show.
Meet the three men preserving Melbourne Royal history
Inventor of the beloved Bertie Beetle bag
Lifetimes of dedication to the Society
Knighthood for man dedicated to Australian beef industry
Fleece, fashion, and lifelong service to the wool industry
Through the excitement, the nerves and the energy of the dog ring at Melbourne Royal, Roger Bridgford cuts a calming figure.
Meet the queen of Australian Terriers and winner of the President’s Medal
A trailblazer in the world of Southdown Sheep
Exhibiting and judging sheep and cattle for six decades
"Mr Southdown”
Sculpting the Southdown Legacy
Firm Roots in the Port Phillip district for the Fisken family
The Ronald family’s 75 year legacy with Melbourne Royal
John Sleigh AM was the society’s President from 1986 - 1990 and his wife Shirley was an active supporter of the Society.
The CEO who got the Show celebrate Japan and Italy
Gavin Wall’s journey with the Melbourne Royal Show began in 1964.
‘Miss Arts and Crafts’ honoured in memorial trophy
A record-breaking equestrienne competitor
Hazel McMahon and the harness competition at the Melbourne Royal Show go hand in hand.
A Garryowen four-time winner and mentor
Top studmasters exhibited top-tier commitment to Show
A passion for Poll Dorsets
Passionate duo, stalwarts for sixty years.
Sarah Crooke rises to top as first RASV female councillor
Steering the Melbourne Royal Show through tough economic times
Putting agriculture back into the show
World-renowned veterinarian championed animal welfare at Show
Meet the three time Best in Show winner at the Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Dog Show
A Bond like no other; lifelong connections made at Melbourne Royal
Showcasing exceptional South Suffolks and wearing many hats at showtime
From payroll, to the computer department, to Dog Coordinator, and back
Owner of the first charolais to win supreme beef bull
Connections across competitions
Outstanding contributions to the Sheep and Fleece competitions for over 37 years
Nurturing the next generation of Corriedale breeders
Working for all things Murray Grey
‘A BOB’ for recognising the importance of Show volunteers
From Fleece Committee Chair to the Art, Craft and Cookery kitchen
A four-time Garryowen champion
Supporting youth development at the Show
Championing alpacas: a legacy of dedication and distinction
Championing Long Wool Sheep Breeds
Show together, grow together; McLauchlan family’s royal tradition
Fifty years of love, championships and record setting
Meet the chairperson of one of Victoria’s biggest exhibitions of Australia’s creativity
Stepping into his first Melbourne Royal Show as a child was like being given the keys to a ‘land of wonder’.
70 years and two sponsored trophies for Horses in Action
One family’s lifelong love for the Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle Competition
Meet the face of the future for the Australian wool industry
Destiny Hamilton has won Champion Handler at Melbourne Royal Show and shone on an international stage
A friendly chat between two sheep breeders sparked what would become a legacy of Melbourne Royal Show success
‘Hallylulya:’ the largest Ryeland flock in Australia
Weaving a lasting tapestry of alpaca passion and human compassion
Cherished agricultural teacher and Beef Cattle Hall of Fame recipient
Heather Stoney is an accomplished sheep breeder and dedicated participant in the Melbourne Royal Show.
A winning streak for Wiltshire Horns
‘A chip off the old block:’ sheep superintendent title stays with the Fynch family
Beef cattle royalty at the Melbourne Royal
From a childhood trip with a grandfather to Beef Cattle Committee
Preserving heritage: Ian and Rae Christie’s profound impact on the Melbourne Royal