Show Tails

If you’re planning on visiting next year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, then you’re in for a treat. You’ll be amongst the first people to experience the new, modern Main Arena at Sydney Showground which is currently being transformed into a 25,000 seat world-class stadium.

The new Arena will feature the biggest scoreboard in the southern hemisphere, a vertical garden across the south east of the stand, a BBQ entertaining terrace and improved hospitality facilities.

The Arena will play host to the AFL’s Greater Western Sydney Giants home ground matches in 2012 and has been funded by the AFL, the NSW Government and the RAS.

The first-class facilities will make the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show even bigger and better, and attract even more exciting events to Sydney Showground.

See you at the Show!

To check out a live web cam of the upgrade taking place visit www.sydneyshowground.com.au/corporate/updates.html

p>Selecting Australia’s best agricultural producer is no mean feat. But this is the tough task the judges have as part of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s President’s Medal, an annual award that acknowledges the achievements of our country’s finest food or wine producer.

The judging process is extensive, beginning with the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food Shows that happen throughout the year at the RAS. Of the 5000 plus products entered, around 100 are awarded Show Champion, and from these, six elite finalists are put forward by the Show Committees to vie for the one elite President’s Medal.

The President’s Medal finalists in 2011 were:

• Cobram Estate, Fresh & Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Country Valley, Organic Milk
• Fonterra Brands Australia, Duck River Premium Butter
• Jelm Pastoral Company, Jelm MSA Lamb grass fed 20–23kg
• Philip Shaw Wines, The Idiot by Philip Shaw 2009
• Yalumba Wine Company, Yalumba FSW8B Botrytis Viognier 2009

The two main judges, the ABC’s Simon Marnie and Scott Davenport, Chief Economist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, then visit each of the finalists and spend 6-10 looking at their environmental, social and financial credentials.

This year, it was Yalumba Wine Company’s year to shine. On 7 July 2011, Yalumba was announced recipient of the 2011 President’s Medal, at a celebration dinner hosted at Sydney Showground. Yalumba, according to the judges, had demonstrated a proactive approach to the triple bottom line.

The evening featured a specially crafted menu by Sydney Showground chef Tim Browne, featuring all of the finalists’ produce. Have a look at these mouth-watering pictures from the night.

To view a short video about Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family owned winery, visit rasnsw.com.au/presidents_medal