Students at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education - Richmond Agricultural College are gearing up for the 2023 Hawkesbury Show.

The Hawkesbury Show runs from 28-30 April and is the second-largest agricultural show in the state, behind Sydney’s Royal Easter Show.

Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education - Richmond Agricultural College Principal Kris Beazley said students had been busy preparing for the show.

“We bump in on the Wednesday before and stay for the whole show. It’s like an open day for us, a chance to showcase the great work our students are doing and what they’ve achieved,” she said.

The Centre of Excellence will exhibit livestock, art, horticulture and photography at the show, and is also hoping some special guests will be able to make a surprise appearance.

“We’re hoping our koalas will be back in time for the start of the show,” Ms Beazley said.

“They’re part of the Kreative Koalas - Art4 Agriculture initiative and are currently on exhibition in the Shoalhaven. They will join our Archibull winning cows in Ag Ed Alley.”

Ms Beazley said the Centre of Excellence worked closely with the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Society and other organisations involved with the show.

“A large percentage of our families have joined the show society this year and also value the connection our school has with our local community and local producers,” she said.

“We do a lot of learning at the showground. We also hold our ag camp there, along with our Meet and Greet evenings for new families.

“Through that connection, we’ve been able to establish strong relationships with industry, while also supporting our community."

The Centre of Excellence will run its vertical Garden Challenge, in partnership with NSW and ACT Nursery Growers Association, and junior journalists from the college will be out and about interviewing industry professionals and members of the community during the show.

Ms Beazley said the college would deliver a primary school ag-focused workshop tomorrow.