Prestigious Winner Of President's Medal Sydney Royal Easter Show : Tathra Oysters

Tathra Oysters has once again claimed one of Australia's most prestigious food awards, winning the 18th Royal Agricultural Society of NSW President's Medal at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Almost two decades after their first win in 2005, this second victory is a testament to their resilience, excellence, and sustainable farming practices.

A Legacy of Quality and Community

Owned and managed by Gary and Jo Rodely, Tathra Oysters operates on 20 hectares within Nelson Lake at Mimosa Rocks National Park. Since their first major award, the business has grown significantly — now producing close to a million oysters a year and supplying top Sydney restaurants as well as their own Tathra shopfront.

They also produce up to 10 million juvenile oysters annually for other farmers, making them an important part of the local aquaculture community.

"Now we have the ability to employ lots of staff, pay good wages and contribute back into the town," said Gary Rodely.

Overcoming Natural Disasters

The journey hasn’t been easy. Bushfires in 2018 destroyed much of Tathra, hurting tourism and the oyster industry. Just two years later, more fires polluted nearby waters, forcing oyster leases to shut down.

The wider NSW oyster industry has also suffered from floods, algae outbreaks, and disease, closing many leases for months at a time. Notably:

• Flooding in 2021 and 2023 shut down major growing areas.

• QX disease in 2022 devastated Port Stephens oyster farms.

• A 2024 grain spill triggered a blue-green algae outbreak, closing Shoalhaven River operations.

Despite these challenges, Tathra Oysters has adapted and thrived, becoming a symbol of perseverance for the oyster industry.

"Oysters are like the canary in the coal mine — they’re the first to show when something’s wrong," said Mr. Rodely.

Passing the Torch

With retirement on the horizon, Gary and Jo are now preparing to hand over the business to their son Sam Rodely, a trained marine biologist. Sam's fresh vision and deep connection to Nelson Lake promise to carry the family legacy into a new era.

"We’re very proud our son Sam has the same passion for it," said Gary.

Recognition Beyond Taste

The President’s Medal isn’t awarded just for product quality — it also recognises producers for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Competing against finalists from industries as diverse as pork, olives, and gin, Tathra Oysters' victory highlights their strong stewardship of the natural environment.

Judge Simon Marnie praised the award for its uniqueness, saying, "It's the only one in Australia where a pork producer can be judged against a beer producer or an oyster farmer."

Key Highlights

• Tathra Oysters wins the President’s Medal again, 19 years after their first victory.

• They produce around 1 million oysters and 10 million juveniles annually.

• Their solar-powered farm champions sustainability and community support.

• After weathering bushfires, floods, and disease, they’re passing the torch to the next generation.

• Their win shines a light on the resilience of the entire NSW oyster industry.

 

source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-17/sydney-royal-easter-show-presidents-medal-tathra-oysters/105178206