The WA Young Farmers Challenge State Final returned to the Perth Royal Show earlier this year, taking over the whole space of the main arena, featuring a full program built around a “day in the life on the farm” narrative.
Teams started the day breaking camp in the swag and breakfast rush, before the days jobs of fencing, bushfire response, first aid, and a dramatic race to the finish with a makeshift wheelbarrow ambulance. Newly announced WA State Rural Ambassador Tiffany Davey debuted as the MC voice of the arena, while Kelly Gorter led across the quiz rounds. Mr. Lachlan Hunter MLA and The Hon Mia Davies demonstrated the challenge course, allowing the teams to ask questions and observe how each challenge is executed up close.
“The committee has worked hard to create a course that doesn’t just test skills but tells a story and is entertaining to watch,” said Josh Antonio, WA Next Gen President. “From a live fire challenge for the first time to handling chooks, it’s about sparking curiosity in agriculture from the public, while making it fun for the teams.”
Committee members credited smooth logistics of the event to early planning and walk-throughs, safety briefings with the teams, and generous support from many volunteers, sponsors, and local emergency services, including St. John Ambulance WA and Gingin Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.
The event was followed by the Next Gen Sundowner event in the President’s Lounge, which was enjoyed by over 80 attendees for a brilliant view of the Fireworks Display and Drone Show.
