1822
1998 - Current. For many, leaving Moore Park was a wrench, but the chance to build a state-of-the-art showground at Sydney Olympic Park and set the RAS up for the next hundred years could not be missed.
1998
When the gates opened at the new Sydney Olympic Park Showground at Homebush Bay on 3 April 1998, the paint was barely dry. The weather was hot all Show and the million curious Sydneysiders who came out to inspect the Society’s new home wilted for want of shade, but otherwise liked what they saw. Construction of the 30-hectare site in the geographical heart of metropolitan Sydney took less than two years. Experienced Councillors and old Show hands had input into the design, taking into account animal welfare and handling, judging requirements, machinery access, and the thousand and one details that go into making a smooth-working Show.
Planned as part of a whole precinct to meet the needs of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, year-round use of facilities and the need for supporting urban and cultural infrastructure were other important considerations. The landmark structures of the Dome and the main arena were the ground’s new icons, but the long history of the Show was remembered in the names given to pavilions and stands, honouring past contributors. Country connections were also marked in the naming of streets after NSW regions and rivers. Further symbolism was enacted at the opening ceremony, when soil taken from the arena during the last Show at Moore Park was sprinkled over the turf at the new ground. It was a baptism of sorts and a demonstration that the past was not lost, but carried forward.
Beyond the built environment, the single biggest change in the direction of the Show as the next millennium approached was a new focus on food. A cultural revolution in food was underway and interest in preparation, quality and provenance was putting agriculture back in the public spotlight. Recognising this the RAS Council established a Fine Food Committee in 1998 to highlight superior industry products. Over the next twenty years, new competitions were steadily introduced, while existing competitions like Wine and Cheese & Dairy expanded:
In 2006 a best-of-the-best accolade was inaugurated, known as the President’s Medal. This award picks an overall champion food or beverage product, based on the financial, social and environmental integrity of its entire production cycle from gate to plate. It has become one of the most prestigious prizes of the entire Show.
- Moving the Showground Home: a commemorative look at the building of Sydney Showground
Twenty-first century challenge
Nationwide, all show societies were dramatically affected in 2020 when the international COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of public events. Cancellation of the Sydney Royal Easter Show was announced just three weeks before it was due to open.
Almost exactly one hundred years earlier, the Show was similarly affected by an outbreak of Spanish influenza. On that occasion buildings at the Moore Park Showground were turned into a temporary hospital. While the RAS was poised to help in a similar way again, control of the virus meant the NSW Government’s emergency plans did not need to be activated.
While health concerns remained and the economic effects on country people, agribusiness and the RAS itself were still playing out, it was difficult to know if a 2021 Show could be mounted – especially after a year of fire, drought and floods. But the decision was made to try and, with health measures in place, tickets went on sale.
While exhibitor numbers were down and some of the trimmings were missing, a run of fine weather saw the Show-hungry public come out in force. At the first major challenge of the twenty-first century – and one of the toughest in its history – the RAS had come through.
In 2022 the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales celebrated its 200th anniversary.
