Chief Executive, Royal Agricultural Society of WA
Robyn is an executive leader and board director with extensive community and business leadership experience
She was born and raised on a farm in the wheatbelt region and has 35 years’ experience across the education, agriculture, mining and health sectors focusing on regional development, stakeholder engagement and community infrastructure.
She joined the Royal Agricultural Society of WA as the chief executive in March 2022 and is the first female chief executive of the organisation in 193 years. Robyn is leading the society through a growth period including redevelopment of the Showground site. As part of the role Robyn runs the Perth Royal Show which is WA’s largest community event and a showcase of WA Food and Agriculture.
She has lived and worked in regional WA and Queensland and also worked internationally. She has worked for a federal government Minister, Rio Tinto, UWA and WA Country Health. She has experience leading large redevelopments of regional mining towns and community infrastructure, managed 6 pastoral stations and operated an innovative hay growing project from mine dewatering in addition to extensive work in environment, Indigenous agreements, community and social impact. While at Rio Tino Robyn managed the largest culture heritage program and largest Indigenous employment program in Australia. She was also executive officer of the WA Future Fund helping to create legacy projects such as Better Beginnings reading program with the State Library, Rio Naturescape with Kings Park and the Colours of Our Country art exhibition with Pilbara Aboriginal artists. All of these projects have become long term successful partnerships that have benefited many Western Australians.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Relations (UWA) and post-graduate diplomas in Journalism (Murdoch University) and Cross Sector Partnerships (Cambridge University). She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an alumnus of Leadership WA and has served long periods on not-for-profit boards including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in WA and as a National representative.
She has been a director of the Australian Shows Association since 2023 which represents all 600 plus ag shows in Australia and is currently chair of the Wheatbelt Development Commission and chair of the Regional Council of Western Australia. She has also been a nominations champion for the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.
Robyn is passionate about representing regional WA and showcasing the food and agriculture sector. She works with regional ag shows around Australia supporting and mentoring others in the industry.
