About the RAS

The interim venue manager of the Melbourne Showgrounds is the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

For over 150 years The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RAS) has been involved in all facets of rural life in Victoria.

It is strictly a not-for profit organisation with enthusiastic members that have helped to establish the RAS as one of Victoria’s most cherished organisations.

From its early origins in colonial Victoria which saw its commitment to agricultural excellence by organising the first competitive ploughing match in 1848, through to current day activities, the RAS is also home to Victoria’s biggest public event, the Royal Melbourne Show.

Attracting visitors in excess of 500,000 annually, the Royal Melbourne Show features the best in farm animals, agricultural, agribusiness, education and entertainment!

Today the RAS continues to support and promote Victorian agricultural excellence through events, competitions, links with industry bodies and tertiary institutions as well as government departments.

RAS Values

Relationship-oriented
Community minded
Representative of our stakeholders
Leaders and innovators
Commercially-focused