Opening of the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Olympic Park

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Wann clan, known as the Wann-gal, and pay my respects to their elders past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

It is an absolute delight for Linda and me to be here.

The Grand Parade has set the scene for what will be a successful and memorable show.

Congratulations to all involved.

Whenever I come to open the show, I always reflect on my childhood experiences. As a young boy, our family used to catch the train from Wollongong to attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show. There was not a more excited boy in New South Wales!

The woodchopping (which is Linda’s favourite event), exhibits and animals, sideshow alley, dagwood dogs, showbags and the crowds — all part of a royal agricultural show experience.

This year’s show promises to create similar memories for many people. Approximately 900,000 patrons are expected through the gates. They will experience the best that rural New South Wales has to offer.

It will certainly be a show to remember for 200 people, who will pledge their allegiance to our country on Tuesday and become Australian citizens. What a moment for them.

It is Harmony Week, so what better way to celebrate diversity and welcome new people to our country than a citizenship ceremony at the Royal Easter Show. It doesn’t get much better than that. I congratulate all involved on this initiative.

But the show will also be memorable for another reason. This show, and others like it, help strengthen our communities.

For the next 11 days, the show will become a meeting place and a connection for families and friends and strangers alike from the country and the city.

We all know it is the people and animals who make the show the iconic event that it is.

I have one tip for you for the day: talk to exhibitors. Stop and look, yes. But if you have the chance to stop and talk, take it. Take the chance to connect and learn.

Ask about the impact of weather on agriculture in Australia. What does it mean when there is a drought? Flood? Ask exhibitors about the highs and lows of rural life. What is it like living on a rural property? What does it mean for their kids' education? Ask about the changes in technology that have been introduced over the last decade. Technology has revolutionised our farms. 

Finally, ask why these shows are so important. Next Friday is ‘Thank a Farmer Day.' This day is about coming together and learning about and appreciating our farmers — and being stronger as a result.

The day is a great opportunity to hear from our farmers about how much they love the land and what it takes to do what they do.

Again, it is a great delight for Linda and me to be here today.

I particularly want to thank the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. What you see today is the result of much planning and hard work.

To see families out and about enjoying themselves and soaking up the educational and entertaining atmosphere is just fantastic and a credit to all involved.

It is now my great pleasure to declare the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show open.

[Ends]