The Rural Ambassador Award is a National Competition that highlights and celebrates young people who have a genuine interest in rural and regional Australia or New Zealand.
The Award aims to provide an opportunity for these young people to promote rural communities and industries, as well as to be involved in promoting the importance of agriculture and food production.
The Award will identify and recognise the next generation of leaders who have a strong commitment to agricultural industries and an involvement and or a genuine interest for the Agricultural Show movement either at the local, State or National level.
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National Uniform Outfitters
Agriculture Shows Australia’s 2025 National Rural Ambassador finalists will be stepping out in style at the Royal Adelaide Show, with iconic Australian brand R.M. Williams unveiled as the official national uniform sponsor. READ MORE
Rural Ambassador Competitions
What’s it all about?
Rural ambassador competitions occur around the nation at a local show, state and national level. Successful entrants are given the opportunity to meet and network with like minded representatives from around the state, around the country and around the Commonwealth. You will meet state and federal decision makers and leaders in agriculture and education, be able to input your point of view, ask the hard questions and make important contacts. You do not have to be a ‘university graduate’, you just need to have the desire to stand up for rural Australia, have a basic agricultural and rural knowledge, and be prepared to ‘have a go’. You will experience some tough competition, make lifelong friends and have a damn good time. So if this sounds like you, contact your local Agricultural Society for entry details.
All about the Rural Ambassador Program
National Rural Ambassadors
Grace Collins
2025
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Royal Adelaide Show, Grace Collins was announced as the 2025 National Rural Ambassador.
Lachlan Johnson
2024
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Melbourne Royal Show, Lachlan Johnson was announced as the 2024 National Rural Ambassador.
Reece Jerrett
2023
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Royal Launceston Show, Reece Jerrett was announced as the 2023 National Rural Ambassador.
Dione Howard
2022
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Dione Howard was announced as the 2022 National Rural Ambassador.
Karl Milde
2021
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Karl Milde was announced as the 2021 National Rural Ambassador.
Harris Thompson
2019
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Royal Perth Show, Harris Thompson was announced as the 2019 National Rural Ambassador.
Sophie Crooke-Lay - VIC
2018
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held at the Royal Adelaide Show, Sophie Crooke Lay was announced as the 2018 National Rural Ambassador.
Justin Matthews - Queensland
2017
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Melbourne, Laboratory Technician, Livestock Handling Instructor & Demonstrator, Justin Matthews was announced as the 2017 National Rural Ambassador.
Jeremy Schutz - South Australia
2016
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Launceston, Tasmania, Pinnaroo farmer and show president Jeremy Schutz was announced as the 2016 National Rural Ambassador.
Samuel Martin - New South Wales
2015
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Sydney, New South Wales, Samuel Martin of who works at the Ben Nevis Angus Stud, was announced as the National Rural Ambassador for 2015.
Courtney Ramsey - South Australia
2014
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Brisbane, Queensland, agricultural policy researcher Courtney Ramsey was named the 2014 National Rural Ambassador.
Prue Capp - New South Wales
2013
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Feilding, New Zealand, equine dentist and veterinary science student Prue Capp was announced the 2013 National Rural Ambassador.
Tim van de Molen - New Zealand
2012
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Perth, Western Australia, Waikato farmer and rural banker Tim van de Molen, was announced as the National Rural Ambassador for 2012.
Wade Timms - Queensland
2011
At the Rural Ambassador national finals held in Adelaide, South Australia, Wade Timms of Nanango was named the 2011 National Rural Ambassador.
2010 National Rural Ambassador: Carla Tierney - Queensland
2009 National Rural Ambassador: Bruce McConnel - Queensland
2008 National Rural Ambassador: Tim Robinson - New South Wales
2007 National Rural Ambassador: Rebecca Smith - Queensland
2006 National Rural Ambassador: Giles Oster - South Australia
2005 National Rural Ambassador: Chris Badcock - Tasmania
2004 National Rural Ambassador: Ben Drynan - Queensland
2003 National Rural Ambassador: Ricki Foss - Western Australia
2002 National Rural Ambassador: Karl Suckling - Western Australia
2001 National Rural Ambassador: Peter Angus- South Australia
promoting the role and significance of Australian Agricultural Shows to the wider community
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Around Canberra
Five ways to explore while your partner is at the conference
Joining us in Canberra for the Agricultural Shows Australia 2027 Conference? While your partner attends the conference, take the opportunity to discover Australia’s capital at your own pace. From national landmarks and fascinating stories to art, gardens and spectacular views, there’s plenty to fill a morning or afternoon.
1. Step inside Australian Parliament House
Discover the architecture, art and stories behind one of Australia’s most recognisable buildings. Join a guided tour to learn about Parliament and explore the place where national decisions are made. If Parliament is sitting, your visit may also offer an opportunity to watch proceedings.
Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Bookings: Explore the available tours and check individual booking requirements.
2. Reflect at the Australian War Memorial
Take time to discover the personal stories of Australians who have served in war and on operations. Explore the galleries and commemorative spaces, including the Roll of Honour and Hall of Memory, for a moving insight into Australia’s history.
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
Entry: Free; general entry currently does not require a ticket. Check visitor updates before arriving, as redevelopment may affect access to some galleries.
3. Discover our stories at the National Museum of Australia
Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Australia through fascinating objects and exhibitions. Set beside Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum offers an inviting way to spend a few hours discovering our shared history, followed by lunch or coffee with a lake view.
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
Entry: Free general admission. Selected exhibitions, tours and experiences have additional charges and booking requirements.
3. Discover our stories at the National Museum of Australia
Explore the people, places and events that have shaped Australia through fascinating objects and exhibitions. Set beside Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum offers an inviting way to spend a few hours discovering our shared history, followed by lunch or coffee with a lake view.
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
Entry: Free general admission. Selected exhibitions, tours and experiences have additional charges and booking requirements.
About Ag Shows Australia
Agricultural Shows Australia represents over 580 shows nation-wide and works to engage, influence and promote the essential value of Australian Agriculture.