Did you know that this year we’re celebrating 20 years of the National Rural Ambassador Award? To celebrate, we’ve been catching up with the 19 individuals who have held the prestigious title since 2001.
When Wade Timms won the national rural ambassador award in 2012 he was working at Meandu Coal Mine as a dragline operator and hitting the cricket pitch regularly.
These days he lives at Mudgee, NSW and manages a 4000ha 32000 DSE cattle operation. He’s the father of two young children but still makes time to fit in a regular cricket match.
Wade’s family has a long connection with agricultural shows. He recalls travelling to many shows with his father as a child, showing poultry and beef cattle.
He has president of the Nanango Show Society, Les Schloss, to thank for encouraging him to enter the rural ambassador program – an experience he said stays with him.
“Travelling to SA for the Adelaide Royal Show national final and spending the week with the other state finalists was a privilege,” Wade said.
“It was a great experience to network with like minded and enthusiastic individuals.”
In 2012 Wade travelled to South Africa for the World Congress and said the program has seen countless opportunities come his way. Wade wished this year’s competitors the best of luck.