The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society has for 175 years assisted in many aspects of the life of South Australia. Its contribution has seldom been publicised, but it has initiated many far-reaching enterprises. Although this has included the Royal Adelaide Show and the transformation of the Showgrounds, the Society’s vision has moulded such institutions as the Adelaide Botanic Garden and Roseworthy Agricultural College.
Members of the Society have also provided an impetus to South Australia’s economic success throughout the world. By the pursuit of excellence, they have assisted the wine industry, agriculture, horticulture and pastoral pursuits.
Those involved with the Society, its staff, Council and members have an immense affection for its aims and endeavours. The Society’s activities are broad, but the Royal Adelaide Show continues to be the focus for its Councillors and staff. It is during the Show, in September of each year, that the enthusiasm and passion that drives the Society is so evident. The late John Duncan, who contributed so much to the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia, once said: ‘I just love the Show. When I go into those Showgrounds the rest of the world is outside and I know I am in for nine days of pleasure and entertainment, and the gaining of knowledge, and decent human beings. And I just love it.’
John Duncan’s sentiments are in a sense the crucible of the Society’s mission. Fully aware of its heritage, the Society prepares to use its influence and vision to enrich the future for the community of South Australia.
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Rob Linn recently presented the Hawke Centre lecture, Sharing the good earth: the Society behind the Royal Show, sharing some tantalising insights into the story of the RA&HSSA and the Royal Adelaide Show, and revealing some of the Society’s extraordinary archive.
The podcast of the lecture is now available, you can also learn more about the Society in Rob Linn’s book, Sharing the good earth: 175 years of influence and vision. You can also explore the exhibition of the same name, showcasing the 175-year journey of this extraordinary organsiation run by people with passion and foresight.
This article, written by Rob Linn, is an excerpt from the recently published: Sharing the good earth: 175 years of influence and vision.
While the views presented by speakers within the Hawke Centre public program are their own and are not necessarily those of either the University of South Australia or The Hawke Centre, they are presented in the interest of open debate and discussion in the community and reflect our themes of: strengthening our democracy – valuing our diversity – and building our future.
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