Peak body for NSW’s agricultural shows welcomes new Chief Executive

AgShows NSW, the parent body of 192 show societies in the state since 1929, has announced the appointment of Brooke Beales as its new Chief Executive.

Announcing the appointment, AgShows NSW President, Jill Chapman, says that Beale is a specialist in assisting industry bodies in delivering maximum value for their members, noting "with AgShows NSW having a membership of 192 shows and 15 groups, Brooke's proven track record in ensuring stakeholder needs are met will be integral to the value that she brings to the team.

“Brooke has extensive experience moving strategy through to execution and this, with the knowledge of our experienced staff, will be invaluable to ensuring improved governance, business objectives and service delivery to our members.

"Brooke's dedication to driving success through creative strategies, coupled with her passion for innovation, aligns with AgShows NSW's commitment to excellence in pastoral, agricultural, horticultural and industrial activities in NSW."

Having previously worked with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, the Royal Dublin Society, and most recently at Wine Australia for the past eight years, Beales’ experience is seen as positioning her as a seasoned professional in the agricultural and event management industries.

Looking forward to her new role, Beales stated "I am very excited and enthused about the role and working with the directors and the team to strengthen and support agricultural shows around NSW.

"I love how agricultural shows bring people together for the betterment of Australian agriculture and how they encourage innovation, recognise excellence, and celebrate agricultural communities and heritage."

Bringing over 25 years of experience, she is confident that her skills will enable her to lead AgShows NSW into a bright future, adding "I am confident that our collective efforts and a clear strategy will enable us to support and strengthen our members, navigate any challenges, and continue to grow and improve as a representative body.”

Chapman says that the appointment represents a continued commitment to growth, innovation and transformation, going on to say "Brooke's strong leadership skills in collaboration, influence, and change management, combined with her expertise in events and communications make her uniquely qualified to lead AgShows NSW towards a future marked by innovative growth and transformational change.”

16,000 volunteers run the 192 local agricultural shows in NSW, which welcome over 1.2 million visitors each year.

Image: Brooke Beales. Credit: AgShows NSW.