The Opening of the Smoke Free Perth Royal Show 2009

Monday 28 September 2009

by His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC
Governor of Western Australia



I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land that is home to the 2009 Smoke Free Perth Royal Show - the Nyoongar people.

As Governor of Western Australia and Patron of the Royal Agricultural Society I am delighted to be able to officially open the Show again this year.

The Perth Royal Show is one of the most significant events on the Western Australian Community Calendar. It is a show for the people and is presented by the Royal Agricultural Society, which actively works alongside Government, industry and small business to promote primary industries, environmental management and education – and I should add that it does so in a business-like and fun manner, with something for everyone to enjoy.

This event, with its interactive features, is eagerly anticipated by individuals, families, friends, country and city alike for its unique mix of interest, entertainment and fun.
 
This year our Royal Show has achieved an important milestone in that it commemorates 175 years from the time the first annual show was held in 1834. The Society held its first annual show, which was to become known as the “Fair and Cattle Show” at Guildford in November of that year.

In 1902 the Society was granted land in Claremont and the first Royal Show took place at the current site in 1905, utilising the buildings from the old grounds in Guildford, together with a then newly erected Exhibition Hall and a bar. The attendance at the time was around 30,000 people.

The Show of today especially recognises the hard work and ability of Western Australian farming businesses that are competing in a global economy and succeeding through innovation and sound business practices, made even more challenging in the current economic environment.

From its small though illustrious beginnings, the Show has grown to be attended by around 400,000 people each year of all age groups, who arrive to enjoy the wonderful exhibits and the fun of the fair, which continue to grow in excitement and interest each and every year.
 
Additionally:

  • Around 40,000 regional Western Australians are involved in the Show;

  • Over 15,000 entries were registered in the 40 competitions; and

  • Over 600 small businesses are directly participating at the event.

As well, the Show provides employment for thousands of Western Australians. As an economic activity, there is much business transacted at the Show and there are numerous opportunities for the regions to promote their talents and produce which also provides an opportunity to promote tourism.

I would especially like to thank the Show’s 2000 volunteers who assist the Royal Agricultural Society in co-ordinating the event and competitions, making sure everything goes well. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
 
In particular, two volunteers have been named joint Volunteers of 2009 by the Royal Agricultural Society for being the best volunteers. Gillian Peebles of Shoalwater Bay and Robin Comley of Bibra Lake have been honoured for their decades of tireless volunteering for the Society. Our congratulations to them both!

This year the Show is officially named the “Smoke Free Perth Royal Show” and is understood to be the largest smoke free community event in the world.

For those who are new to the Show, and as a reminder to us all, there are an extensive number of categories in the competitions – agriculture, equestrian, livestock, cookery, professional bakery, wine, beer, photography, art and crafts to name a few and an increase in entries has been noted in many sections.

While the prestigious competitions support our agricultural sector, the Show also educates and entertains visitors by providing the link to where some of our wonderful resources and produce are made.
 
For those looking for something new to the Show – visit the milking station and watch WA dairy farmers milk their cows on the hour from 10am to 3pm inside the Dairy Pavilion.

At the Aqua Farming Pavilion you can discover how to grow your own fish and yabbies and make them into a meal.

The Sheep Pavilion also has its own surprises in fashions produced by young local designers using wool grown to order.

As well, the competitions revealed that Western Australia’s best olives are from Margaret River and York; its best pies are from Denmark; our wines continue to be very competitive amongst others, represented at the Show through 2259 entries from 357 producers in Australia and New Zealand; and the Show judges were impressed with ice cream being produced in Geraldton and Port Hedland.

Every day and night at the Show you are likely to encounter something different and surprising as you walk around the grounds because there are some 640 entertainers performing 100 shows for your enjoyment at various times.

Another feature, in keeping with past tradition, will be the display of the Guest Town of Esperance, which will showcase industries like agriculture, fishing and tourism and, no doubt, will whet your appetite for more.

And for food, fitness and fun, the IGA Follow the Yellow Brick Road trail will lead you all over the Showground and invite you to stop at the pavilions for exclusive activities.

The Royal Australian Agricultural Society, in co-ordinating this event and other agricultural and community events in this State, is doing outstanding work:

“to serve and enrich the people of Western Australia by showcasing the resources and endeavours of its people”

In doing so it also recognises individual achievements and I would like to touch briefly on two more of these.
 
I would like to congratulate Peter Trefort from Narrogin on being named the 2009 Rural Community Achiever and Kayecy Ward, a 21 year old university student from Bridgetown, on being named the 2009 Rural Ambassador by the Royal Agriculture Society, both for their passionate commitment to their region and their community. We wish them both the very best in their future endeavours.

As well, congratulations to everyone involved in the Show for bringing to the people an event which has stood the test of time and we wish it continued success.

It is now my great pleasure to officially open the 2009 Smoke Free Perth Royal Show and wish everyone an enjoyable and rewarding time as you explore the pleasures and treasures the Show has to offer.