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New Showgrounds CEO

NEWS RELEASE

4 July 2001

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria has announced the appointment of Stephen Carter as the new Chief Executive Officer at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Mr Carter, 41, has wide professional experience in retail, hospitality and most recently, international aviation.

"I have enjoyed a rare opportunity to participate in some of Australia's major companies during periods of growth and change," Mr Carter said.

"In particular, my exposure to senior roles in Marketing, Property Services and Project Management give me a unique perspective on the challenges facing the RAS and the Showgrounds.

"I am looking forward to the challenges of my new position, including the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions industry and business events sector."

Mr Carter said that through a re-vitalised Showgrounds, the RAS will be aiming to provide Melbourne with a major secondary exhibition and events venue.

A major part of the Showgrounds refurbishment will be a $2 million State Government grant, allocated in the State budget this year, which will be used to undertake essential works and further master planning on the Showgrounds facilities.

A key project under this works program is the demolition of the run-down Horse East stable structures, with extensive site works to commence soon to make way for a new structure in time for the Royal Show.

This structure - a hoecker with 2000m2 of exhibition space - will provide a new flexibility for events at the Showgrounds as it can be moved to wherever customers require it to be on the grounds. It will be available to hire for functions, exhibitions, trade and consumer shows.

For further information: Michael Lynch, Melbourne Showgrounds, phone 03 9281 7523