Rural Schools encouraged to apply for fully funded excursion to Sydney Royal Easter Show

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for one lucky rural school to attend the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) through its All Roads to the Royal program. 
 
The program provides the ultimate agricultural excursion, with three days to experience the iconic agricultural event, as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Show, filled with networking and educational opportunities. 
 
Beginning in 2019, the program was created to address the barriers of location and funding that prevent many rural students from attending the Show, offering return transport, accommodation and meals as part of the all-expenses-paid package. 
 
Sarah Stanbury, Chair of the RAS Youth Group, said the All Roads to the Royal program is an incredible opportunity for regional students to learn about the variety of career paths available within the agricultural industry. 
 
“During the program students will get to explore behind the scenes of the Show including the world-class competitions, entertainment, iconic Grand Parade, and meet with numerous industry leaders to learn first-hand what it is like working in agriculture”, Sarah Stanbury said. 
 
“Through the program, we can provide schools, that may not have the funding, with the opportunity to take their students to experience the magic of the Show. We hope this leads them to develop a passion for agriculture and discover a number of potential avenues for them to pursue in their future.”
 
Sarah Lindsay, teacher at Tottenham Central School in Central West, NSW, one of two winning schools to attend the Show in 2023, said the All Roads to the Royal program was a fantastic excursion with both students and teachers thoroughly enjoying the experience.
 
“We can’t thank the RAS Youth Group enough for the wonderful opportunity our students had at the Show. The kids got to experience everything from sheep shearing lessons and dairy cow milking to learning about how the district displays are created, and they are still talking about what an amazing time they had”, Sarah Lindsay said. 
 
“The students gained a great deal of experience and knowledge as to what agriculture has to offer and its potential career pathways. Being able to draw on the practical experience they got at the Show to supplement our agricultural units in the classroom has been a huge benefit to the students.”
 
Open to students from years 7-12, the All Roads to the Royal excursion will run from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th March 2024, and will cater for a maximum of forty students, teachers and guardians.
 
The All Roads to the Royal program was designed by the RAS Youth Group, a group of young professionals aged 18-35, who are passionate about rural NSW and inspiring the next generation of agriculturalists.
 
For further information about the program criteria or to apply, please visit the website.
 
Applications are due by close of business Friday, 10th November 2023.