Packed room for Ray’s recognition

Ann RawlingsCountryman
Camera Icon2018 Rural Ambassador Harris Thompson with Geoff and Sharyn Rule. Credit: Ann Rawlings

The room was packed with friends, family, Royal Agriculture Society of WA dignitaries and even WA Governor Kim Beazley when Darkan farmer Ray Harrington was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

The pioneering agricultural inventor, whose machines are in day-to-day use across Australia, was awarded one of WA farming’s highest honours for his numerous inventions in the sheep and grain industries.

Mr Harrington, 72, said it was “a bit surreal” to receive the award, at the RASWA’s ceremonial luncheon, and he attributed his success to his supportive family.

Mr Harrington is the 64th leader to be inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame by RASWA, which co-ordinates the yearly event from the Claremont Showground.

He will have his portrait painted during the next 12 months, with the piece set to be unveiled at next year’s luncheon.

Read more...

A highlight of Tuesday’s event was when portraits were unveiled of last year’s Agriculture Hall of Fame recipients, UWA emeritus professor Alan Robson and the late Boyup Brook farmer Eric Farleigh.

Each of portraits hangs on display in the historic Hall of Fame building at the showground.

The display is opened to the public for the IGA Perth Royal Show, and on special occasions.

See social photographs below:

Camera IconLola Wilson, of Mosman Park, and Judy Robertson, of Gidgegannup. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconMargaret Walker, of Booragoon, and Sharon Thomas, of Mt Claremont. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconChannel 9 program, marketing and communications manager Lisa Thom and marketing executive Will Melville. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconJenny Harrington, of Narrogin, and Heather Gibbs, of Darkan. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera Icon2018 Rural Ambassador Harris Thompson with Geoff and Sharyn Rule. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconRoyal Agricultural Society of WA councillor Joanne Bradbury, Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative centre manager Lisa Mayer, Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Tony Seabrook and Julia Seabrook. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconRosalind and David Lindsay AO, emiterous professor and Agricultural Hall of Fame 2012 inductee, with Gwenda and Alan Robson AO, emiterous professor and Agricultural Hall of Fame 2018 inductee. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconMaria Giglia, wife of past-president, of Mt Pleasant and Rosanna Rorie, of Mt Pleasant. Credit: Ann Rawlings
Camera IconTeresa Rocchi OAM, Agricultural Hall of Fame committee and selection panel member, with Bernhard Bischoff, of Bunbury, and Royal Agricultural Society of WA councillor Dr Catherine Bowen, of Jennacubine. Credit: Ann Rawlings

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails