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To exhibit, educate, and entertain! The Sydney Royal Easter Show is the largest annual ticketed event in Australia.
For this College, it is an opportunity for our rural students to showcase their background, reconnect with their roots, and share their knowledge and experiences.
At the same time, it’s a chance for our city students to learn more about regional life, engage with agricultural traditions, and experience the richness of rural Australia.
One of the highlights of my role is giving the students of St John’s College the opportunity to meet some of the finest people from rural Australia — to listen to their stories, understand their challenges, and learn from their resilience. It’s also a chance to deepen their appreciation of the vital role agriculture plays in everyday life, and its importance to Australia as a whole.
In addition, the Show provides a valuable opportunity to teach students about marketing, entertainment, and large-scale event management. These insights often inspire their own social events at College, helping to ensure they are run professionally and leave a lasting impression.
This year, many groups of College students attended the Show over several days, deepening their engagement and expanding their understanding through direct experience.
(Left to right): Sofia O'Sullivan (Scone), Lucy McLaughlin (Nyngan) and Mimi McLaren (Walcha) in the Pig Pavillon.
Seeing the students' excitement during their hands-on experiences with the animals — and the generosity of the handlers who are always so willing to assist — is truly special. Add to that the fireworks at the end of the day, and it becomes a uniquely memorable experience for everyone involved.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Mr John Bennett OAM, along with the Councillors, staff, and exhibitors at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, for always making the students of St John’s College feel so welcome and providing them with a behind-the-scenes look at the Show.
Bryn Edwards learning the art of walking Boer bucks in the Goat Pavilion.Greta Perrignon (House Treasurer) with another type of treasure.Dougal Lane (Wagga Wagga) and Harry Cluff (Dunedoo) assisting the Rector with after-hours veterinary work.(Left to right): William Garnsey (Wagga Wagga), Angus Lenehan (Harden), William Schembri with the Rector, Fergus O'Callaghan (Tamworth), and Harry Cluff (Dunedoo), all encouraging William prior to him participating in the Grand Parade for the first time.William Schembri walking an alpaca in the Grand Parade, under the watchful eye of Ms Janie Forrest (right), RAS Chair of the Alpaca and Pig Committee.Tom Hartman in the Poultry Pavilion.Sophie Sutherland (Perth; front) and Lulu Duck (Bowral) interacting with Ace, a thoroughbred mare, prior to competition.St John’s College/Sydney Uni Rugby Players (left to right): Charlie Boman, Daniel Saunders, Tom Hartman, Tim Bannister, Bryn Edwards, Liam Grover, and Charlie Bull with Hugo Lockhart (front) and the Boer goat.Lulu Duck (Bowral) and Ava Kelly (Griffith) assessing the sheep fleece after judging.Ben Chick (Tamworth) with a chick in his hand and Tilly Barwick (Moree).College alumnus and current Member for Albury, Mr Justin Clancy MP (left), with NSW Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Mark Speakman SC MP (right), with the Rector.Mr Joseph Byrne (left), RAS Chair of the Sheep and Fleece Committee, with Mr Matthew Gordon (right), Chair of the College’s Building and Works Advisory Committee, alongside first-year rural students learning about the Border Leicester breed of sheep.(Left to right): Sofia O'Sullivan (Scone), Mimi McLaren (Walcha), and Lucy McLaughlin (Nyngan) with a Charolais bull and its owner in the Beef Cattle Pavilion.Fergus O'Callaghan (Tamworth) taking a moment to admire the prize-winning roses on display in the Horticulture Pavilion.Mr Glenn Best, Chair of the Poultry Committee, with students holding day-old chicks.A Clydesdale mare showing affection towards Angus Lenehan.Liam Grover (left) with William Schembri on a ride.Dougal Lane and Harry Cluff.Tamworth locals: Ben Chick (left) with former President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Mr Rob Vickery.Tom Hartman and Charlie Boman (Sandy Bay) in the Alpaca Pavilion.Annual Student Leaders’ Easter Show Dinner: (Clockwise): Rector with baby Sophia Schembri, Jack Duffy (Bulli), Ava Berkelouw (Bowral), Tilly Barwick (Moree), Lauren Whiting (House President), Sophie Sutherland (Perth), Sophia Carey (Canberra), Ava Kelly (Griffith), Lulu Duck (Bowral), Greta Perrignon (House Treasurer), Harvey Keady (Coonamble), Ben Chick (Tamworth), and Dougal Lane (House Secretary/Wagga Wagga) with Mrs Sarah Schembri.Mr Nick Ryan, Director of Rugby at Sydney University Football Club (SUFC), with some of the College's SUFC players during their annual Easter Show visit.House President Lauren Whiting in the Arts and Crafts Pavilion.Sam Anderson and Mimi McLaren (Walcha) in the Pig Pavilion.Mr Dennis Wilson and Australian chef and media personality Lyndey Milan OAM joined our students for a memorable dinner.
And on a lighter (but very sweet) note — after 25 years of entering the Sultana Cake competition at the Royal Easter Show, I finally claimed the coveted blue ribbon! A reminder to my students that perseverance and a willingness to learn (and a good College oven) are all worthy guides — whether in the kitchen, in the library, or in life.
First place ribbon for sultana cake!Student recognition of the winning sultana cake for 2025!Left to right): William Garnsey (Wagga Wagga), Angus Lenehan (Harden), Fergus O'Callaghan (Tamworth), Sam Anderson (Tamworth) and Harry Cluff (Dunedoo), watching the nighttime fireworks at the end of a full day of ride judging.
Finally, well done to all the students for embracing this opportunity — whether stewarding at competitions or representing the College more broadly. I’ve been very proud of you all!
Dr Mark Schembri
Rector
Two great institutions — the Royal Agricultural Society and St John’s College — each with a proud legacy of tradition, community, and excellence, coming together to create lasting opportunities and experiences for the next generation of leaders.
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