John B Fairfax AO and his commitment to the RAS Foundation

The RAS has a long history of giving back, which Mr John B Fairfax AO recognised and helped formalise through the founding of the RAS Foundation in 2007. The Fairfax family have been actively involved with the RAS since 1859. In 2007, Mr Fairfax facilitated the seed funding, via the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for the establishment of the RAS Foundation, as a means of extending the influence of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW into rural and regional areas of the state, beyond the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

For Mr Fairfax, the RAS Foundation plays a vital role in contributing to the broader agricultural community. “Some things give you pleasure! By contributing to the Foundation, I have had the satisfaction of enabling young people to pursue their rural studies and careers. In addition, numerous rural and regional groups throughout New South Wales have been able to embark on local projects that have benefitted their communities. My reward is in the response from individuals, some of whom express their appreciation literally in tears of gratitude.”

In 2008, Mr Fairfax took a further significant step to secure the longevity of the RAS Foundation’s impact and reach into rural communities, by personally donating $1 million to establish the JB Fairfax Award for Rural and Regional Journalism, Media & Communications. The scale of his contribution was such that this Award will continue in perpetuity, supporting at least one scholarship of $10,000 annually.

Reflecting on his decision to establish the only scholarship of this kind in Australia, Mr Fairfax observed: “We have wonderful young talent throughout Australia, and it is vital and rewarding to support young journalists. Quality reporting and thoughtful journalism are essential for informed dialogue and debates around the social, economic agricultural and environmental issues that impact our regions.”

“The Covid-19 Pandemic has put pressure on many organisations and businesses including the RAS and the RAS Foundation. It is vital that we not only stage the Easter Show, but through the Foundation, we contribute to the lives of inspiring young men and women and their communities.”

In 2022, in response to the specific challenges encountered by communities and the charitable sector throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Fairfax has further generously pledged another $2 million for the RAS Foundation operational fund. This leadership contribution will scaffold the Foundation’s operations, building its capacity to maintain community programs in the longer-term.