Brianna is a rural solicitor based in her hometown of Monto, Queensland where she is also Junior Vice President of the Monto & District Show Society. 

Brianna has been involved with the Monto Show her entire life and it was through the Show and its various youth competitions that she was afforded opportunities to become involved at a Sub Chamber, State and National level.  Currently the Burnett Sub Chamber Secretary, Treasurer and Young Judges coordinator, Brianna has also held roles as 2019 Queensland Rural Ambassador Runner Up, having an opportunity to attend the 2021 ASA National Rural Ambassador final in Sydney in 2022, was a Director of Queensland Ag Shows, former Chair of the Queensland Rural Ambassador committee and with the Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Committee as Treasurer and then President.

Brianna’s proudest achievement as an emerging leader within the Show Movement was the partnership between ASA and Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation which delivered the 2020 Agricultural Shows of Australia Inaugural Conference at the Gold Coast. 

Her community also sees her hold the roles of Director of North Burnett Community Enterprises Limited which operates the Mundubbera Bendigo Community Bank Branch Franchise and as Honorary Solicitor to a number of Agricultural Shows throughout the Burnett.

Alex is currently Chair of the RNA Future Directions Committee at the Royal Queensland Show (The Ekka). Alex has been attending the Ekka since his family showed Murray Grey cattle in the 80’s. After being involved as a Steward within the Beef Cattle and Young Judges sections since 2003, Alex joined the Future Directions Committee in 2019. Alex has spent more than 15 years in the finance industry with a focus on providing funding for Small to Medium sized businesses. Given his involvement with the Young Judges sections at the Ekka, Alex has a strong commitment in ensuring it remains an opportunity for young Queenslanders to increase their involvement in Agriculture, while providing real education opportunities.

Hailing from Mundijong, Western Australia, Reece Jerrett is a dedicated advocate for agriculture and rural communities. His journey into agriculture began in 2008 with poultry and waterfowl breeding and exhibition, leading to roles such as President of the West Australian Poultry Association and Chief Steward of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA Pigeons & Poultry committee. Beyond the show rings, Reece’s community involvement extends to organizations like the SJ Community Resource Centre and Landcare SJ, where he’s honed skills in event management and environmental conservation. Currently employed as a Refinery Process Operator at Alcoa of Australia, Reece’s versatility and commitment to community and agriculture shine through.

Reece’s vision as a candidate for the 2023 Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Council Election is to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving agricultural areas for local food security. As a Rural Ambassador, he seeks to raise awareness of these issues, benefitting not only his local Agricultural Show Society but also fostering collaboration between urban and rural stakeholders. Reece’s focus on community engagement and his insights into the future of agricultural societies promise to make a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape in Western Australia and beyond.

Alexandra Pattinson, a dedicated advocate for agriculture and community, has been an integral member of the Foster and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society since joining its committee in 2018. Alexandra’s notable contributions include streamlining the show’s operations with the implementation of an online entry system, the addition of various show attractions and establishing a youth group within her local show, the Great Southern Next Generation. Her true passion lies in fostering youth participation in agriculture, with the successful delivery of the Young Farmers Challenge at her local show over the last two years. Alexandra’s innovative approach and commitment have drawn diverse participants, including urban professionals eager to embrace agriculture. Alexandra’s development of the Young Farmers Challenge has gained traction and given her local show a spotlight at state level. She was invited to join the Melbourne Royal Emerging Leaders Group to further promote engagement of youth in agriculture. 

Beyond her show society involvement, Alexandra’s completion of a Master’s degree in Animal Science has seen her excel in her position with Agriculture Victoria. In this role, Alexandra facilitates community engagement to safeguard biosecurity in the state of Victoria. Her multifaceted interests, ranging from ocean activities to baking and cooking, reflect her vibrant personality. Alexandra’s aspiration to become a Rural Ambassador highlights her desire to champion rural and regional women and encourage young people into agriculture. Her vision for her local Agricultural Show Society to preserve heritage, while embracing innovation will ensure a thriving future for her rural community. Alexandra Pattinson is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication and community engagement in agriculture.

Dione Howard is the 2022 Agricultural Shows Australia National Rural Ambassador. Dione’s day job is as a veterinarian in the Riverina region of NSW, based in Wagga Wagga. Her involvement in the agricultural industry also includes sharing her story with school students and promoting the Australian wool industry. She is a member of her local Lockhart Show Society, and has had the opportunity to travel to both NSW and interstate shows in her role as RAS of NSW Rural Achiever Representative (2021) and as National Rural Ambassador. Dione has been involved in judging NSW Young Woman Competitions at both local show and Zone levels, and more recently the Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards.

Andrew is a founding member of the South Australian Next Generation Group.

In 2012 he was a State Rural Ambassador, winning the Year of the Farmer Award. This bursary, allowed travel to attend the New Zealand Young Farmer Contest in person and various sheep studs. He has held the role of the SA Next Gen Young Farmer Challenge Coordinator since 2011, with a year break in 2018. During his time as YFC Coordinator, I have been an inaugural National YFC working group member, presented 10 State Finals, 2 National finals (Including 2022 Virtual AYFC), secured long term sponsorships and built the ‘Boots and Black-Tie Ball’ raising over $18,000 for SA NextGen.

Andrew is also often an over judge for the Young Judges Competition at local shows in South Australia.

Carla has been a member of the RNA Future Directions Committee since 2016 and Deputy Chair from 2018-2020, a life member of the RNA for 25 years and a steward at the Ekka for nearly 20 years in the sheep and wool section. She hopes her position on the RNA Future Directions Committee will allow her to contribute in a greater way to the ongoing success of Queensland’s largest event and recognises the importance of strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to make this happen.

Since 2020, Carla has been part of ASA Emerging Leaders and has enjoyed contributing to the compilation of the groups strategic plan and direction for moving forward. She looks forward to actively participating as part of the group as we look to sustain the future of agricultural shows through a next generation approach.

Carla has extensive experience in event, sponsorship and project management and currently works as an Events and Sponsorship Manager at The University of Queensland.

Born and raised in Queensland on a large cattle operation – Justin now calls the New England town of Armidale Home with his wife Kate.

A member and active participant of shows and show societies throughout QLD and NSW since he was old enough to go in his first led Stock Horse Class Justin has been and remains to this day a passionate supporter of Agricultural Shows both Small and Large; he’s held many roles from Steward, to Chief Steward, Ringmaster and Announcer in the Cattle & Horse Sections and is also known to dabble in the occasional Men’s Chocolate Cake or Mens BBQ Sauce Class at his local show.

In 2016 Justin won the title of the (then) MARSH Queensland Rural Ambassador, and in 2017 he then went on to be awarded with the Title of National Rural Ambassador. Justin has had involvement with the Ekka in Queensland and now the RAS of NSW Sydney Royal Easter Show where his is an Announcer  (on the Cattle Lawns) and Steward for the Show. Justin also currently sits on the RAS of NSW Youth Group where he has helped run the State and National Young Farmers Championships for the last number of years. Alongside the RAS Youth Group Justin is heavily involved in numerous Agricultural Shows and Events throughout Queensland and New South Wales where for many; he is their Announcer, as well as supporting as a Steward & Official where required and also as the Night Program Show Caller and Arena (Stage) Manager for one show.

Outside of show time you can find Justin working on production crews at events throughout the state, or capturing photographs or taking in a pyrotechnics display.

I hail from a small mixed grazing and cropping farm on the south coast of south Australia. the Port Elliot show society is my local show where I help my dad run the horse section, and entering my ute in the musters held there and surrounding shows. I also work at the Royal Adelaide Show as a steward of the horse section and have been for the past 5 years.

I have been part of SA Next Gen for 9 years serving as a committee member and a term as president in years past. Currently I am the state Young Farmers Challenge Coordinator. 

I’m looking forward to the year ahead with our state YFC to being held again on the first Saturday at the Adelaide Showgrounds on the main arena! 

While she grew up in Sydney, Sarah developed a passion for agriculture which led her to study a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours I) and then a Master of Environmental Science and Law. She has since moved to Manildra with her husband on a small mixed livestock and cropping property. Sarah works for the Department of Primary Industries in Orange as a Policy & Project Officer with the Animal Welfare team. Sarah joined the RAS of NSW Youth Group with the goal to help increase consumer understanding of the Australian agricultural industry, particularly in city areas, through the various RAS initiatives.

Nicola is a 23 year old teacher who lives on the Mid North Coast of NSW. She has always been passionate about agricultural shows and her local community; in her position as the President of the ASC of NSW Next Generation, Nicola hopes to encourage youth engagement in shows, help provide opportunities for young people to participate and spread awareness of the importance of agriculture.

Shaun is a seasoned professional in media, marketing, promotions, and events. With a decade of experience in the media industry, he transitioned back into the corporate marketing space and now serves as the Senior Marketing Manager at Construction Skills Queensland.

Shaun has a deep-rooted passion for major events, having played key roles in some most iconic occasions including the Paniyiri Greek Festival, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Royal Adelaide Show, the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree, and the Ekka. His long-standing involvement with the RNA has seen him specialise in the Youth in Agriculture section within the Agricultural Hall.

A self-proclaimed Ekka enthusiast, Shaun’s diverse involvement spans exhibitor, performer, volunteer, competitor, steward, judge, and now Honorary Council Steward, making his appointment to the RNA’s Future Directions Committee in 2016 a natural progression.

Outside of his work with the RNA, Shaun is deeply engaged in the Scouting community. He is the Producer of the Brisbane Gang Show and serves as the National Advisor to the National Rover Scout Council.

Shaun is thrilled to be part of the Emerging Leaders Group and looks forward to contributing to the exciting projects shaping the future of Ag Shows Australia.

Marricka is the President of Qld Ag Shows Next Gen Committee and has been an active member of this committee for 4 years.  She is passionate about continuous improvement and building a strong talent pipeline for Ag Shows.

Since 2022 she has been Central Highlands Association of Show (CHASS) Sub-Chamber Next Gen delegate, as well as holding other various roles in the Sub-Chamber since 2011 including Showgirl and Rural Ambassador coordinator, workshop coordinator and mentor.

Her local show is Clermont Show, located in Central Queensland and has been an active Committee member since 2011, holding various roles from Publicity Steward, Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Steward, Grain Young Judges Steward and Entertainment Steward.  She is former Clermont Show Showgirl 2017.

Past work history includes being the Competition and Events Coordinator for The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA/Ekka) 2018-2020, where she was responsible for the planning and execution of Ekka Beef Week – the largest showcase of beef in the Southern Hemisphere and the Nation’s richest beef competition – Paddock to Palate.

She is a country girl, who lives on her family’s farming property near Clermont, where they operate cattle and mixed cropping operation.  During the week, she works for Stanmore as a Contracts Coordinator at South Walker Creek mine. 

Born and bred in rural Queensland, Lauren is passionate about rural communities and the role Ag Shows play in connecting people and promoting agriculture. Having been involved in agriculture and the show movement from a young age from spectating to exhibiting and stewarding, Lauren understands the role that Ag Shows plays in small rural communities.

Lauren currently sits on the board of Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Committee and is also the Senior Vice President of the Dirranbandi Pastoral & Agricultural Society.

In her day-to-day life Lauren and her husband own and operate a rural contracting business in Dirranbandi, Queensland. 

Coming from the Wheatbelt region of Southern Brook, I am the fourth generation to be on the family farm. I grew up as the eldest of five boys, learning how to drive from the moment I could see over the steering wheel. Agriculture has played a pivotal role in my life, from working on the grain bins over the summer holidays to earn pocket money for the year to being roped in to odd jobs every time I visit home.

I studied Chemistry at Curtin University and currently work as a Chemist at the Perth Mint Refinery. Whilst not directly related to agriculture, most of my free time is spent volunteering with the Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) and the youth focused committee I am president of – WA Next Generation. You’ll often see me around at regional agricultural shows working on the young farmers challenge (YFC)

Having grown up in Hobart, Mitch’s first experience of the Royal Hobart Show came when first working for the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) assisting with the coordination of casual staff while still in High School. Since then, Mitch has worked for RAST for almost a decade and now holds the position of General Manager – Operations, overseeing the management of the annual Royal Show as well as a range of other events the RAST manage including a Food and Wine Show.

Mitch holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) and is committed to assisting regional Shows across Tasmania to ensure their long term sustainability by working with them to engage more young people in their local Show.

Grace has been extensively involved with agricultural shows across Victoria since a young age. As the Chair of the Melbourne Royal Emerging Leaders Group, she relishes the opportunity to deliver high impact and engaging initiatives focused on young people at the Melbourne Royal Show, and across the agriculture industry. Grace was also named the National Rural Ambassador Runner Up in 2021.

With a passion for best practice livestock production and animal welfare, Grace works in science communication and engagement, and also operates a stud sheep enterprise near Ballarat in Western Victoria.

I grew up on a cattle station in north west Queensland, between Hughenden and Longreach, where my passion for agriculture and animals began. I have been involved in the show movement since the age of 11, starting with judging and showing cattle while attending boarding school at All Souls St Gabriel’s in Charters Towers.

Since then, I have competed as a young judge and handler at major events including the Brisbane Ekka and the Melbourne Nationals. This year, I am proud to be representing the Northern Territory as a Rural Ambassador and competing in the National Beef Young Judges competition.

In 2023, I relocated to the Northern Territory and have worked across several stations, including Newcastle Waters with CPC. I am now focused on building my business in agricultural education and genetic consulting. Through a partnership with Ag in a Box NSW, I am delivering agricultural education programs to Northern Territory schools and early learning centres, ensuring the next generation of agricultural workers has access to meaningful opportunities and career pathways.

I am an active member of the Katherine Show Society and work closely with the NT Show Council to continue strengthening and expanding agricultural shows, ensuring they remain competitive, relevant, and innovative into the future.

Outside of my professional work, I am passionate about animal genetics, herd production, pregnancy testing, and artificial insemination. I am also a qualified veterinary nurse, with a strong interest in advancing animal health and welfare practices. I enjoy competing in cattle showing and judging, baking — particularly perfecting traditional recipes such as cinnamon rolls — and exploring homesteading practices, including improving pastures with diverse forage species such as herbs. I also have a keen interest in painting and rural art.

I am committed to contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the agricultural industry through education, innovation, and active community involvement.