CEO'S REPORTRobyn Sermon CEO of RASWAIt is an honour to lead the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia and workwith such a dedicated and passionate team of Councillors, Members and RASWA staff.Since starting as CEO I have been overwhelmed by the generous advice and time taken by so manydifferent people to share their RASWA memories and ideas for the future. In listening to so many differentperspectives during my first few months I’ve realised how important it is to be the custodian of such aniconic 192 year old Western Australian institution. I have great regard for the history and forebearers of thesociety and am equally excited about leading it into a successful and exciting future.Regional and remote Western Australia has been central to my career and having been born and bred inthe Wheatbelt there is no doubt agriculture is in my blood. Working with Council there are many ideas forthe future of both the Society and the Claremont Showground site. Central to our plans will be to ensurethe Society remains focused on our core purpose to promote WA agriculture and food. This means havingmore agriculture in the Show, growing the Perth Royal Food Awards and working closely with industryand regional communities. Important to our future will be embracing the diversity and sustainability inWA agriculture and working with younger generations to ensure we remain a central part of the industry.My focus in the first year will be;• Supporting the development and rebuild of the RASWA team, following the impactand the turnover of staff as a result of COVID-19• Work with Council and staff on the development of a new strategy and key initiatives program• A renewed focus on governance, risk and health and safety• Progressing redevelopment of the Showground site and seeking opportunities for additionalincome streams• Building relationships with broader stakeholders, industry and our supporters• Work more closely with Regional Agricultural Societies, supporting their own regional shows• Deliver a great 2022 Perth Royal Show with agriculture at the heartI appreciate that COVID has had an enormous impact to RASWA, both directly on our operations andwith flow on consequences to events, supply chains and rising costs. We will continue to navigate some ofthese challenges during 2022 but we are excited about our plans for the Royal Show in September.My sincere thanks to the Council for their support in my first few months and particularly to RASWAPresident, Mr David Thomas.Lastly and most importantly a sincere thank you to the staff – new and old – for their ongoing efforts,creativity, and excitement about the future of RASWA.Robyn SermonCEOR A S WA A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 29
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