PRESIDENT'S REPORTDavid Thomas President of RASWAThe Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia's book titled Adversity and Achievementwas released in 2004, but could not provide a more appropriate title for the 2021/22 period.In the face of adversity, you have three choices... You can let it DEFINE you, let it DESTROY youor let it STRENGTHEN you.It has been a significant and challenging period for the Society during this COVID-19 global pandemic.COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our regional shows, but this is only one issue that regional events havebeen faced with. Financial impact due to cancellation of events, uncertainty of restrictions and ageingvolunteer committees have further compounded issues for the show fraternity throughout WesternAustralia. Whilst we were mindful of the many regional events not occurring, we also watched closelythe major Royals around Australia succumb to the restrictions of holding large events.In that respect, the 2021 Perth Royal Show was held whilst many Royal Shows in other states were not.The 2021 Perth Royal Show went ahead on a reduced footprint with many of the usual exhibitions andevents not operating, but thanks to the effort and support of the RASWA community, the 2021 Show wasthe best attended since 2014. The RASWA team were able to achieve an amazing show with only 100 daysto plan, reduced staffing levels and many new team members that had never delivered a show previously.The 2021 Perth Royal Show could not have been achieved without the generous financial support from theState Government with $2 million provided that allowed the opportunity to reduce entry prices for thecommunity and meet COVID-19 requirements. I would personally also like to thank Lotterywest for theirgenerous support in 2021.During the financial year most of the events organised by the Society or held at the Claremont Showgroundwere either cancelled or occurred in modified forms. While managing the COVID-19 threat, the Counciland management remained strongly focused on the future and progressing the redevelopment ofthe Showground.Redevelopment of the Claremont Showground:During 2021/22 the Council has worked on five areas to explore opportunities as part of the redevelopmentof the Showground for the future. Some initial exploration work has been undertaken and we intend to sharemore later in the year;• A new grandstand and pavilion areas• Food and beverage hub• Markets showcasing WA food and beverage• Agricultural and food Innovation and Education hub; and• Short-stay accommodation facilities.My thanks also to our past CEO, Peter Cooper who departed the Society in January 2022 after 10 yearswith RASWA. Bidding adieu is never enjoyable but, in this case, going out on an amazing Show and leavingRASWA in a positive financial position, Peter left on a high.Now in my third and final year of Presidency, it remains a great pleasure being part of an enthusiastic andvery dedicated group of like-minded volunteers on the RASWA Council. The 2022 Perth Royal Show andthe future of the Society is indeed sound and on a cusp of a new and exciting direction.David ThomasPresidentR A S WA A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 25
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