New RASWA president says Show will be back when conditions ‘more favourable’

A few days ago, Royal Agricultural Society of WA’s new president David Thomas was working around the clock planning his first Perth Royal Show while at the helm of the organisation behind it. But that plan was left in tatters on Tuesday when the State Government cancelled the $11 million Show — which brings about 500,000 people through its gates each year — due to the coronavirus health risks it posed. Taking the reins in July, Mr Thomas had embraced the challenge of delivering the iconic event and bringing the WA community together during an unprecedented time, calling it a “privilege” and an “enormously proud” moment. But it was not to be. In the Show’s absence, however, he said there were “plenty of initiatives” including the Perth Royal Food Awards which would still be going ahead and assured the WA community the long-standing event would return to the calendar when the time was right. “The Perth Royal Show will be back, as soon as the conditions regarding COVID-19 are more favourable. “In the meantime, RASWA will continue to do what it has always done — support and celebrate WA agriculture and our State's amazing primary producers. “We are all looking forward to welcoming people from across the State back to Claremont for the Royal Show, very soon.” The former military man and grandfather of three had been a councillor on the Show’s committee for seven years and vice-president for three before taking over the mantle last month. However his family’s involvement with the Show stretches further back. His wife Sharon has volunteered at the Show since she was a child, when she packed show bags alongside her mother. “My wife’s been an integral part of the Show for many years, working in the arts and crafts section,” he said. “She’s been a member longer than I have and our two daughters are members as well.” Mrs Thomas’ father’s uncle was Arthur Blum of Blum’s Travelling Boxing Troupe, which performed at shows Statewide. Attending the Show was an annual tradition for the Thomas family, and for the past few years, Mr Thomas has been able to bring his grandkids along. Agriculture also runs in their blood, Mr Thomas recalling fond memories of time spent with his grandfather who ran a grain store in Victoria. His eldest daughter Melany also attended the WA College of Agriculture in Cunderdin. A number of smaller regional shows were also cancelled this year due to coronavirus restrictions and Mr Thomas said RASWA had reached out to them and would support them in getting back on their feet for 2021.