The NFRS holds regular bi-monthly shows throughout the year, though we usually do not hold a show in December due to the heat. All are welcome to join us, no need to let us know you want to attend if you’d just like to check things out.
2024 Shows
Sunday 4th February – Club Show at Richmond Guide Hall, East Richmond
Sunday 3rd March – Newcastle Agricultural Show, Newcastle Showground
Friday 22nd March – Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Saturday 20th April – 137th Annual Hawkesbury Show, Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, Clarendon Showgrounds
Sunday 26th May – Koi and Pet Show (Pet Rats only – no variety classes offered), Sydney International Equestrian Centre
Sunday 16th June – Club Show at Richmond Guide Hall, East Richmond
Sunday 21st July – Combined Show with Guinea Pig Club, St Ives
Sunday 4th August – Club Show at Richmond Guide Hall, East Richmond
Sunday 22nd September – Club Show at North Epping Scout Hall, North Epping
Sunday 13th October – Club Show at Richmond Guide Hall, East Richmond
Sunday 1st December – Club Show at Richmond Guide Hall, East Richmond
Entering
If you would like to show your rats or mice, then you will need to enter them using the links below. The cost for entering animals is $2 per entry for members of the NFRS, or $5 for non-members. There is a cap of $50 for members, so if you have lots of entries, it won’t cost you too much. Please pay your entry fees via paypal or cash on the day. If you’re not sure what class your animal should go in, or have any questions about showing or attending the show, please feel free to email us at info@nfrs.com.au or ask at our Facebook page.
Entries close on the Wednesday immediately prior to each show. You may scratch animals on the day for any reason, but there are NO LATE ENTRIES accepted after this date, or on the day of the show, due to time constraints.
Enter your rats
Enter your mice
Prizes
First, Second and Third prizes are awarded in each class (eg. Standard Self Mouse, Standard Self Ticked Rat). The highest scored animal in each section receives a special award (eg. Best Rex Mouse, Best Soft Coat Rat). Finally, the three highest scored mice and three highest scored rats in the show receive the big awards – Grand Champion, Champion, and Reserve Champion (First, Second and Third overall in the show).
Additional prizes are awarded to the major winners, generously provided by our wonderful sponsors, Back 2 Nature and Laucke Mills.
Daily Schedule
The hall opens between 8:30 and 9am, and you’re welcome to come in at that time and help with the set up. We have access to tables and chairs, so visitors and exhibitors can browse the displays and chat to the breeders throughout the day. You are encouraged to decorate your table set-up and show themes will be published ahead of each show. There is a prize for the best display each show.
Once the room is set up, the Head Steward will call for any scratchings (animals which were entered but cannot be shown due to sickness, injury, etc). The entry numbers and schedule will also be handed out at this point, and payment taken. There should be forms available to fill out on the Steward’s table, feel free to grab one and pay along with your entries.
The show proper begins at 9.30am. At this point the two judges will take their seats at the judging table at the front of the hall, and the first classes will be called. The Steward will walk around throughout the day to collect your entries, so pay attention to them and the proceedings. If you’re new, don’t worry, there are always seasoned exhibitors available to lend you a hand.
What To Bring
Your animals should be held in a transportable cage or tub with food, water and shelter for the duration of the show. They must be shown in a “show tank” of suitable size, such as the Kritter Keepers pictured here. We encourage exhibitors to create a display of toys, decorations or posters for their area to help make the hall beautiful! We usually break for lunch at about 12.30pm, and any contributions of food, snacks or drinks are appreciated.
Location
All our regular shows (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Richmond Girl Guide Hall. 44 Bourke Street, Richmond.
[View full NFRS locations map]
More Information
If you are interested in the judging process, show standards, and show guidelines, we encourage you to check out our Ultimate Showing Guide, as well as the list of documents available in the right hand column of every page of this site. You will also find a Membership Form there which you are welcome to fill out and bring to a show to begin your membership with the NFRS. We also have an active Facebook group where you can connect with other club members and hobbyists and keep up to date with other announcements, post pictures, and share stories about your rats and mice.