Sydney Showground is on a mission to connect events with regional and rural New South Wales this year by offering a unique incentive to its clients in celebration of the bicentenary of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS).

Sydney Showground's parent company, the RAS, is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting Australia's agricultural development and rural communities.

To continue this mission, Sydney Showground is offering new clients an opportunity to not only run world-class events but to also lend a helping hand, with the venue donating up to $25,000 to the RAS Foundation (RASF) on the client's behalf depending on the size of the event.

The RAS Foundation (RASF) is the organisation's charitable arm, established to support strong, vibrant rural communities throughout NSW through investment in education, training, and community development.

Money donated by Sydney Showground will be directed to the RASF Community Futures Grant or Rural Scholarships programs, providing funding to either bring a community project to life or assist students in regional and rural areas to achieve their career goals through higher education.

Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Roberts says one of the venue's unique selling points is the organisation's history and core mission to build a brighter future for regional and rural NSW.

"In celebration of the RAS' bicentenary this year, we have decided to bridge the gap between our award-winning event venue and our organisation's role as custodians of Australian agriculture," Andrew Roberts said.

"Not many people realise Sydney Showground is run by the RAS' with the intent of investing profits from each event back into agriculture and our rural communities. This incentive is a great way for us to share the incredible work the RASF does and provide an opportunity for our clients to give back whilst also running a successful event."

RASF Manager Cecilia Logan says the RAS Foundation is well placed to support our rural and regional communities.

"Our RASF Community Futures Grants offer untied funding for up to $25,000 for small, community-led projects across the state while the rural scholarships provide financial support for regional students to pursue their dream careers," Cecilia Logan said. 

To learn about this further, or to support to the RAS Foundation and learn more about the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, please visit the website.

Image one: previous Community Futures Grant recipient in Coonabarabran. 

For further information, please contact:
Nicola Dalby
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
P: 02 9704 1041 E: ndalby@rasnsw.com.au