Rolls makes history as Royal National Capital Agricultural Society’s first female President

The Royal National Capital Agricultural Society (RNCAS) is proud to announce the appointment of Toni Rolls as its new President. 

Rolls succeeds Rick Jones, who stepped down from the role in October after six years of service. Having served on the RNCAS Board since 2019, Rolls was the unanimous choice of her fellow Board members for the position of President. Additionally, Ben Litchfield has been appointed as Vice President. 

Marking an historic milestone as the first female to hold this position in the Society’s rich history, Rolls’ appointment was confirmed at a Board meeting on Wednesday, December 11th, following her dedicated service as Interim President. 

“I am incredibly honoured to have received the unanimous support of the Board in being appointed as the first female President in the Society’s long and proud history,” said Toni Rolls, “You only have to look at how many female Presidents there are running local shows as a testament to their success.” 

A life member and long-term exhibitor at the Royal Canberra Show, Rolls has been an integral part of the RNCAS for nearly a decade. She began her journey with the Society in 2014 as a Councillor in the Cattle section of the Royal Canberra Show and joined the Board in 2019 as Vice President and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

Her decades of experience in the show movement, coupled with a deep passion for agriculture, have cemented her reputation as a respected leader and advocate within the agricultural community. 

“I am excited to lead the RNCAS during this significant chapter in its history. Being involved in the development of our three-year strategic plan has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to seeing key milestones come to life, including the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show in 2025 and the 100th anniversary of the iconic Royal Canberra Show in 2027.“ 

“Working alongside our very capable CEO, Adelina La Vita and her staff, my goal is to steer the organisation toward the delivery of these momentous events while expanding our engagement with broader audiences and showcasing the vital role of agriculture in our community,” said Toni Rolls. 

Her expertise spans a diverse range of interests, including Horses, Poultry, and Crafts, and her commitment to the future of the RNCAS is firm. Residing on a regional property 

near Canberra, she remains deeply connected to the agricultural industry and brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. 

The RNCAS Board believes Rolls’ leadership and vision will drive the Society toward an exciting future of growth and engagement with the broader community, reinforcing its role in Canberra and as a key contributor to the agricultural industry. 

Please join us in congratulating Toni Rolls on her historic appointment and welcoming this new chapter for the RNCAS.