CEO Update: March 2026

24 Mar 2026 / Melbourne Royal News

Happy new membership year! Melbourne Royal’s new membership year commences 1 April, and membership renewal notices will be emailed to members very shortly. By renewing your membership for the year ending 31 March 2027, you will enjoy great value and benefits at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show. In addition, your support will help Melbourne Royal as not-for profit organisation continue to successfully celebrate agriculture, cultivate events and strengthen communities.

If you are not a Melbourne Royal member, I encourage you to consider joining this year. Melbourne Royal membership is extraordinary value, offering you access to a range of unique benefits and privileges across a range of Melbourne Royal events, competitions and programs including the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October.

As a valued Full member of Melbourne Royal, you can enjoy complimentary admission for you and a guest to all 11 days of the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show along with discounted car parking, access to Members’ dining and hospitality areas and much more.

In addition, as a member you can save up to 40% on entry fees for agricultural and other Melbourne Royal competitions at the Melbourne Royal Show. To join or renew your membership, visit melbourneroyal.com.au

I also remind Melbourne Royal members that you have access to reciprocal rights at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show, being held 6-17 April.

 

Nominations for Elected Directors

Applications are now open for suitably qualified members to join the Melbourne Royal Board as an Elected Director and make a valuable contribution to support our organisation. Applications are encouraged from appropriately qualified professionals with significant experience serving on a Board as a non-executive director.

Any Melbourne Royal member who is seeking to be a candidate as an Elected Director must:

  • be a financial member as at 31 May 2026 for the current financial year (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027); and
  • have the suitable qualifications, skills and experience to discharge the functions of a non- executive Director as determined by the Board;
  • be nominated by two other Melbourne Royal members.

Applications close 5pm, 31 May 2026. Further information is available here.

 

Events Update

Preparations for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Show are progressing well, with a great variety of events, exhibitions and festivals being held at Melbourne Showgrounds. To keep you well informed regarding the Melbourne Royal Show and Melbourne Showgrounds, please enjoy reading the updates in this edition from Hannah von Bibra, Executive General Manager, Melbourne Royal Show and Sam Buckley Executive General Manager, Melbourne Showgrounds.

 

Brad Jenkins
Chief Executive
Melbourne Royal