Image of Central Districts Exhibit Display winner of best produce display design. Image taken by Rosh Veerabangsa
A visually outstanding display of NSW’s best agriculture is here at the Sydney Royal Easter Show 2025. These displays started in 1876, and the first shield winners were in 1911. There are over fifty judges involved, and the winner of best display design is announced on the show opening day. Each display consists of more than 10,000 pieces of fresh produce. There are four Courts that compete, representing Central, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of NSW.
I spoke with Bob Tebbet and Rhonda Olrich from the Central districts exhibit committee, about their winning display in the Woolworths fresh food dome. Their winning display was announced on opening day, and both were very excited to win this. Bob has only recently been involved in the last 5 years in designing, whereas Rhonda has been involved much longer for 37 years as an assistant designer. This is the first year the pair has designed together. It was a dream of Bob to be involved in design from a young age.
The Central District covers several regions including the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, New England and Northwest. The pair arrived 10 days before the show starts and it is during the construction period of the display when the judging of produce samples occurs. Rhonda says on the Friday, first day of the show, 3 judges come to see the produce on display. Bob says the concept doesn’t really change, it remains the same, and a lot of it depends on the quality of the produce and what’s available. They try to get the very best produce for the display, depending on the season, the produce will vary. Rhonda describes the display to me, which includes grains and wool. This year’s theme is farmers plus water plus TLC equals fibre and food. Rhonda says the theme was decided 9 to 10 months ago, during several meetings including a main and or general meeting and a working bee to start processing. The concept is sent to RAS to be approved before building of the display can commence. They are very proud of their achievements, and both agree it is a very great opportunity to showcase agriculture.
Source: Bob Tebbet & Rhonda Olrich
Source: https://www.rasnsw.com.au/competitions/food-beverage-and-produce/district-exhibit-details/
