2016 MEDIA GUIDE INTRODUCTION 17 - 30 MARCH 2016 2016 SYDNEY ROYAL THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NSW WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS 2016 PARTNERS EASTER SHOW Grand Champion This annual event is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and rewards agricultural excellence. First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, attracting over 850,000 attendees on average. Revenue generated by it allows the RAS to invest in agricultural programs, competitions, education, youth and rural NSW. In all, the RAS invests Strategic Partners almost $7 million annually in these activities which are designed to promote agricultural excellence and keep our rural communities strong. The Show is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural traditions to our modern day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for everyone. Champion Every Easter, the country and city join together at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, for fourteen days of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and much more. Your Media Guide is filled with essential information and story ideas to help you plan your coverage of the Show. There are so many surprising stories, Blue Ribbon colourful characters and exciting experiences that make the Sydney Royal THE AUSTRALIAN Easter Show the iconic event that it is. We hope you enjoy telling these stories. MEDIA CENTRE 5 WHAT’S ON 9 Red Ribbon DAILY TIMETABLES 25 SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK MAJOR EVENT BUSES 41 SHOW MAP 47 Communication Partners Correct as of 8 February 2016 www.eastershow.com.au MEDIA GUIDE 3 RAS461_SRES Sponsor Montage_148x210_2016.indd 1 18/02/2016 11:32 AM INTRODUCTION SHOW DATES 17 March – 30 March 2016 OPENING TIMES Show opens 9.00am. Pavilions open 9.30am CLOSING TIMES Evening entertainment concludes 9.00pm. Showbag Pavilion closes 9.30pm. Coca-Cola Carnival stays open until late. Excitement is in the air at Sydney the accumulation of performance points Showground for what is shaping up to be from regional shows. There is pride the an amazing Sydney Royal Easter Show. whole state can revel in when the best of Once again the country will come to the the best compete in the city. It’s for that city in a celebration of our world-class reason the RAS works closely with country agriculture industry. Of all the events shows to share knowledge about event the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW management, competition administration (RAS) holds through the year, this is and bio-security messaging. the pinnacle of what they strive toward as laid out in their mission, which is, Engaging young people in the industry ‘to promote, foster and encourage the is a challenge the RAS embraces. In sustainable development of agriculture consultation with government, key of the state’. industry stakeholders, and educators they work to ensure programs developed The Sydney Royal Competitions held are relevant to today’s youth, igniting a during the Sydney Royal Easter Show passion for agriculture. attract over 30,000 Australia-wide entries each year. Exhibitors enter their product, While the Sydney Royal Easter Show animal or skill in an attempt to win the is its cardinal event, the RAS has prestige of a Sydney Royal award. The established a diverse portfolio, including 1 Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy, Fine Food, world-class Sydney Showground which MEDIASECTION CENTRE TITLE Chocolate and Beer & Cider Shows are generates a total economic impact of held throughout the year rewarding $615 million towards the NSW economy. excellence in Australian produce. Another aspect of the RAS portfolio is Country agricultural shows have an the Australasian Animal Registry - the important role to play when it comes most comprehensive not-for-profit to produce, art and craft. Some Sydney animal registration and recovery service Royal competitions are only possible with in Australasia. 4 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW 2016 #EASTERSHOW 5 MEDIA CENTRE MEDIA CENTRE The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW the Show, contact the Media Centre so including agricultural and entertainment operates a hub for all accredited media your request can be expedited. MEDIA ACCESS TO VENUES timetables making it a useful resource personnel reporting on the Show. The All requests for access to Spotless tool for media. The Media Centre section Media Centre is located at: Stadium must be directed through (found under the ABOUT tab) includes MEDIA CENTRE TEAM the Media Centre. All media on the daily news releases and accreditation Level 4, Sydney Royal Stand Tel: 02 9704 1042 stadium grounds must wear a white information. The official Sydney Royal Spotless Stadium Email: [email protected] coat (provided by the Media Centre) and website www.sydneyroyal.com.au lists all Tel: 02 9704 1042 Website: www.eastershow.com.au broad-brimmed hat (provided by the competition results. Fax: 02 9704 1039 individual). Under no circumstances are Opening Hours: 8am - 7pm James Riordan, RAS media allowed to enter Spotless Stadium Manager, Public Relations during a Grand Parade or the evening MEDIA RELEASES The Media Centre provides accredited M: 0419 483 407 entertainment program. The daily media release will be media with access to: E: [email protected] distributed to media and posted on the • Phone All requests for access to the Schmidt Show website early each morning. The • Fax Daisy Litchfield, Arena, Channel 9 Woodchop Stadium release includes daily highlights and any • Internet access via wired CAT5 (RJ45) Cox Inall Communications and The Amphitheatre must be directed photo opportunities. connection M: 0427 303 298 to the Media Centre. • Light refreshments E: [email protected] • A limited number of lockers are HIGH-RES IMAGES available Suzanne Lewis, ACCESS FOR TV CREWS The Media Centre maintains a library of Cox Inall Communications TV crews requiring onsite vehicle access Show images. A selection of images will Please note, leaving equipment and M: 0404 116 905 for live-crosses and filming must advise be available for media to download via a belongings in the Media Centre is at E: [email protected] the Media Centre, at least 2 hours in link provided by the Easter Show Team. your own risk. The RAS accepts no advance where possible, every time Contact the Media Centre for access. responsibility for any items. they wish to enter Sydney Showground. Show photos are provided for publication MEDIA ACCESS TO THE SHOW TV crews arriving at the Showground purposes free of charge, providing Make this your first port of call for: Pre-approved accredited media personnel unannounced will not be admitted by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW • Show news and results must go to the Exhibitor Services Centre Security. Crew cars and link trucks ONLY (RAS) is credited. Commercial use of • Daily Show highlights (ESC) on their first visit to the Show to will be provided with on-site parking. our photos is not permitted unless prior • Story ideas collect their Show media accreditation. arrangement and a fee structure have • Access to talent The ESC is on Murray Rose Avenue, been negotiated. • Interview requests with authorised opposite Sydney Olympic Park Station MEDIA PARKING Show spokespeople in the RAS Administration Building. On A limited number of media parking • Access to restricted areas including arrival at the ESC, media personnel must spaces are available daily in P1. Contact WH&S Spotless Stadium present official media identification the Media Centre for more information or All media representatives attending • Maps or a business card in order to receive to have your parking validated. Parking is Sydney Showground must adhere to the Show media accreditation. Show media available on a first-in basis. RAS Workplace Health and Safety policy accreditation must be visible at all times and laws relating to WH&S. MEDIA ACCREDITATION while on site at Sydney Showground. All media representatives reporting on SHOW WEBSITES the Show must be accredited by the The official Show website www. Media Centre prior to the event. If you eastershow.com.au has all the latest, have not acquired accreditation prior to up-to-date information about the Show 6 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW 2016 7 MEDIA CENTRE SHOW SPOKESPERSONS AROUND SYDNEY SHOWGROUND Comment from any of the following Please be considerate of competition RAS spokespersons should be arranged judging and pay careful attention to through the Media Centre: animals and exhibitors when filming, photographing or conducting interviews. Robert Ryan OAM President TRANSPORT Michael Kenny The Show is held at Sydney Showground, Chief Executive situated within Sydney Olympic Park, and is conveniently serviced by trains Murray Wilton and buses. All ShowLink tickets include General Manager, Agriculture same-day return public transport and with plenty of extra services running, it’s Matt Evans the best way to get you to the Show and Chief Marketing Officer home again. Shane McGrath Senior Manager, Operations & Product IMPORTANT INFORMATION Development ShowLink tickets won’t be available to be purchased at Sydney Trains and NSW Sarah Sanderson Trainlink stations or on Sydney Olympic Coodinator, Agricultural Youth Initiatives Park Major Event Buses. For everything you need to know about getting to and from the Show, visit EMERGENCIES www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500. St John’s First Aid stations are located at: • Corner of Olympic Boulevard and Shuttle buses will run between the Channel 9 Grand Parade northern bus terminal (plaza show entry) • Woolworths Fresh Food Dome foyer and the P5 car park and between the • Opposite Domestic Animals Pavilion Dawn Fraser bus terminal and the P3 and • Behind the Showbag Pavilion P4 car park. All Showgoers travel for free, • Medical Centre on New England service operates from 9am - 11pm. Avenue 2 Taxis are available on Herb Elliot Ave WHAT’S ON (near Australia Ave) until 5pm and then POLICE AND LOST PROPERTY on Murray Rose Ave (near carnival entry) Lost property should be handed into the from 5pm – 11pm.