Australia Day Honours recognises Melbourne Royal President, Matt Coleman
27 Jan 2026
As President of Melbourne Royal (registered trademark of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria) since 2016, following his board appointment in 2011, Matt has been unwavering in his commitment to promoting and celebrating Victorian agriculture. His leadership is most visible at the Melbourne Royal Show—Victoria’s largest iconic annual community event—where he devotes countless hours engaging with exhibitors, presenting awards, and championing the role of volunteers and young people in agriculture.
Beyond the Melbourne Showgrounds, Matt has guided Melbourne Royal through some of its most challenging years, particularly during the COVID‑19 pandemic, ensuring the organisation remained resilient, financially stable, and able to continue supporting programs that strengthen agricultural communities. His leadership also extended to major community contributions, including facilitating the use of Melbourne Showgrounds as a COVID‑19 testing site and vaccination hub, initiatives widely praised for their efficiency and impact.
Matt’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders is evident in his ongoing advocacy for young people across the sector, including encouraging their involvement in agricultural shows, competitions, and industry initiatives.
Matt’s influence extends deeply into regional Victoria, where he regularly attends agricultural shows and community events, advocating for local producers and supporting grassroots initiatives. Respected by colleagues and community members alike, Matt Coleman OAM continues to exemplify strong, community‑minded leadership—ensuring that Victorian agriculture, its people, and its traditions remain celebrated and supported for generations to come.