Celebrating 175 Years
In 2023, Melbourne Royal proudly celebrated 175 years since the organisation was first formed in 1848 by a group of farmers who were then known as the Moonee Ponds Farmers’ Society and conducted ploughing matches to improve agriculture.
In recognition of this remarkable milestone, Melbourne Royal acknowledged the dedication and passion of countless current and past exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, members, committees, staff and patrons who helped shape the organisation's history in a series of events and projects organised throughout the year.
Melbourne Royal’s 175th Celebration Gala Dinner
Melbourne Royal’s 175th Celebration Gala Dinner was held on Saturday, 1 April 2023 at Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds.
Attendees enjoyed a fabulous evening of dining and dancing and shared wonderful stories and memories with other Melbourne Royal friends, staff, volunteers, committee members and life-long supporters.
Melbourne Royal Show Highlights
The 2023 Melbourne Royal Show was inaugurated by His Excellency David Hurley, the Governor-General, at 11:30 am on the opening day, Thursday, September 21, in the Horses in Action Arena. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Melbourne Royal, the event featured the participation of 100 personnel from Australia's Federation Guard, the Air Force Band, and a flypast by an Air Force Roulette aircraft and historic aircraft from No. 100 Squadron, all joining to formally welcome the Governor-General.
As part of the 175th celebrations, Show visitors in 2023 appreciated the pop-up Melbourne Royal Museum, the historic timeline wall located alongside the Poultry Pavilion, and heritage displays within the competition areas.
A family enjoys the Museum displays.
A family enjoys the Museum displays.
A 1950s laughing clown game was a highlight of the items on display in the museum.
Cabinets featuring heritage trophies and videos describing the history of Melbourne Royal in the Museum.
A wall showcasing cattle brands helped people remember with studs and farms.
The display in the Poultry Pavilion featured heritage breeds of poultry as well as heritage objects and stories.
The Horses in Action Arena showcased its own timeline and heritage images.
The Dogs Pavilion showcased fun facts about the history of the All Breeds Championship and heritage images.
On September 24, a 175th Celebration Luncheon was held in the MasterChef Pavilion. The event featured a talk on the history of Melbourne Royal by Kenneth Park and the presentation of the Emerging Leader awards and the 2023 VAS Rural Ambassador award.
Melbourne Royal Board of Directors. L-R: Darrin Grimsey, Dr Catherine Ainsworth (Deputy Chair), Dr Peter Hertan, Tina Savona, Brad Jenkins (CEO), Matt Coleman (President & Chair), Noelene King OAM, Jason Ronald OAM, Kate O'Sullivan.
Kenneth Park presenting
Faces and Families Project
The people who have helped to shape Melbourne Royal’s 175 years of history were recognised through ‘Faces & Families of Melbourne Royal’ – a project featuring almost 100 inspirational stories that acknowledge and celebrate the people who have dedicated their time, knowledge and passion to making a positive difference for the organisation. Melbourne Royal is nothing without the close-knit network of people who make it so special – people whose voices we have been privileged to capture and showcase in this project.
Read their stories here.
Portraits of the 1916 RASV Council. Image Source: Melbourne Royal Heritage Collection
Merchandise Range
Melbourne Royal presented a carefully selected range of limited-edition memorabilia, including beautifully crafted items such as celebratory scarves, ties, commemorative alcohol, and a special 175th Anniversary book.
Some of these items are still available for purchase here.
The Show Goes On, a 9News special event
Celebrate the enduring legacy of the Melbourne Royal Show with this amazing 9News Special – The Show Goes On.
Hosted by Peter Hitchener and Alicia Loxley, this heartwarming program commemorated Melbourne Royal’s remarkable 175-year journey from 1848 to the present day.
The Show Goes On not only celebrates the history of the Melbourne Royal Show, but also pays tribute to the people who have made it an enduring and cherished tradition. It’s a testament to the fact that, generation after generation, the show will always go on, connecting people and spreading joy.
Watch on 9Now here.
Souvenir Show Guide
A special, commemorative souvenir edition of the Show Guide was produced, featuring six pages dedicated to celebrating the history of Melbourne Royal. The flip cover, pictured here, was based on a real Show Review produced by The Argus newspaper in 1949.
View the full 2023 Show Guide, with the 175th Commemorative Section at the end, here on the Virtual Museum.
Melbourne Royal: Celebrating 175 Years received a commendation at the 2023 Victorian Community History Awards in the category of History Interpretation Award.
Presented by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, the Victorian Community History Awards are held annually to celebrate the people involved in community history projects who are dedicated to telling local stories which help all Victorians to better understand their past.
