Mark Bryant at QCAS
Tell us more about QCAS and how it came to be a part of RASC?
The Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc. (QCAS) has been a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) for six years after sending Next Gen delegates to the New Zealand conference in 2008. These delegates reported to the board on the huge benefits and networking opportunities they had gained from the conference and highly recommended affiliation with RASC.
How has your society benefitted from the commonwealth relations?
The ability to create networks across the commonwealth and increasingly a number of other nations has provided opportunities that would be otherwise been impossible to nurture.
What key learning points have been achieved through this communication?
Our State Rural Ambassadors have attended the last three conferences and in every case they have brought back ideas and knowledge that has been of benefit to our 128 agricultural show societies across Queensland, leading to an increased passion and desire to work in and promote agriculture.
Has information and ideas shared by fellow societies across the commonwealth been implemented throughout your organisation?
Yes – but the main benefit has been maintaining contacts and establishing bursaries across a number of countries, which has provided some great media attention and has raised the profile of agricultural shows in general.
How do you hope your relationship will develop with RASC and fellow commonwealth organisations?
I hope to continue to increase our exposure and provide educational and networking opportunities for our members and the next generation of committees. It is essential that the profile of Agricultural Shows be maintained not only at local and regional level, but also at National and International level where the importance of Agriculture, Education and family value can be highlighted to our diverse communities.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT QCAS FOR YOUR DIARY
9th – 17th August – Royal Queensland Show featuring the State Finals of Rural Ambassador Awards, Miss Showgirl Awards, Young Judges and Paraders: Beef, Dairy, Merino Sheep, Fleece and Meat Breeds Sheep, Dark Rich Fruit Cake and State Ute Muser Series at the Royal Queensland Show between
10th – 14th August – National Finals of the Rural Ambassador Awards and Young Judges and Paraders
For more information regarding these events and the work of the QCAS visit www.queenslandshows.com.au