Rural Ambassador Award
The future of agriculture is not just about crops and livestock, but about the intelligent, and passionate young people who will shape its trajectory. The Rural Ambassador Competition provides a powerful platform for our emerging leaders to showcase their skills, amplify their voices, and make a meaningful impact on the rural industries and communities that form the backbone of our nation. Are you ready to champion the agricultural sector and drive positive change in our rural community?
Special congratulations to 2024 Rural Ambassador winner Shikira Stehbens for winning both the Rockhampton Agricultural Show and Central Queensland Sub-Chamber finals and then went on to represent Central Queensland at Ekka. Special mention to Ty Lawrie for placing as Rural Ambassador Runner-Up at the 2024 Rockhampton Agricultural Show.
What is the Rural Ambassador Competition?
Proudly sponsored by the Great Western Hotel, the Rural Ambassador Competition empowers young individuals within rural communities and industries to help highlight the vital role of agriculture. This program not only serves as a platform for personal growth but also demonstrates the impact the agricultural sector has on our everyday lives.
The Rural Ambassador program equips our young leaders with the confidence and capabilities necessary to contribute to their communities and the ag industry. By assuming leadership positions, they can actively support the sustainability and growth of rural areas, ensuring that the importance of agriculture continues to be recognised and celebrated.
The winner of the 2025 Rockhampton Rural Ambassador Award will proudly represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show at the Central Queensland Sub-Chamber Rural Ambassador Awards. If selected as the CQ Sub-Chamber Rural Ambassador winner, they will have the honour of representing their community in the State Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards at Ekka.
WHO CAN ENTER?
The Rural Ambassador Award is open to young men and women, located in Queensland, aged 20 to 30 years (as at 1 May 2025).
What can i win?
First Place Prize Package - Valued at Over $1,000
The first-place winner will receive a generous $1,000 cash award. Alongside the monetary prize, the winner is honoured with a prestigious official sash and a beautiful bouquet of celebratory flowers. One of the most exciting aspects of the win is the civic recognition: the first place winner will be extended a special mayoral invitation as a guest to all civic events in the following 12 months. This unique opportunity offers unprecedented access to community leadership and networking opportunities.
Runner-Up Rewards - Valued at Over $500
Even our runner-up receives remarkable recognition that celebrates their achievements. The second-place contestant is awarded a $500 prize consisting of cash and vouchers. Like the first-place winner, the runner-up is presented with an official sash, symbolising their accomplishment, and presented with commemorative flowers to mark their success in the competition.
What will be my Roles & Responsibilities?
The Rural Ambassador Competition offers an exciting opportunity for participants to engage with their community, develop personal skills, and represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show in the lead-up to the event. Stay organised and mark the below important dates in your calendar to ensure you can meet the expectations of the Rockhampton Rural Ambassador Competition.
11 February: Nominee Meet and Greet
Begin your journey with a special introduction to the Show Committee. This event marks the official start of your Rural Ambassador Competition experience and provides you with all the key information required to achieve your best.
12 February – 29 April: Community Volunteering & Professional Development Workshop
Participants are required to give back to the community through meaningful volunteer work during these dates. You will also boost your confidence and public speaking skills through a dedicated workshop organised by the Show Committee.
29 May – 1 June: Rockhampton Show Promotion
Nominees will help the Show Committee promote the Rockhampton Agricultural Show by assisting with event ticket sales at Stockland Rockhampton and distributing show programs.
7 June: Nominee Celebration and Q&A
With our Rural Ambassador sponsor the Great Western Hotel you are invited to a special event highlighting the journeys of all nominees, featuring a judged on-stage Q&A session and the opportunity to showcase individual stories and achievements with attendees.
12 June: Rural Ambassador Announcement and Grand Parade
The pinnacle of the competition, the announcement of the 2025 Rockhampton Agricultural Show Rural Ambassador takes place at the Grand Parade as part of the official Rockhampton Agricultural Show opening.
12 June: Show Competition Awards Presentation and Q&A Panel
The Rural Ambassador winner and nominees will provide support to the various section committees by presenting awards and ribbons across competitions including cattle, poultry, school work and more.
12 – 13 June: Fashion Parade
The Rural Ambassador winner and nominees will help local clothing businesses showcase their fashion collections by modelling the latest looks on the Community Stage on both days of the Show.
How will I be judged?
Rural Ambassador entrants are evaluated across multiple criteria, with a scoring system that highlights key qualities and achievements. Points are awarded for involvement in country shows and general and rural knowledge, reflecting their connection to and understanding of regional life. Community involvement, communication skills, and personality are also highly valued, showcasing their ability to engage and inspire. Additional considerations include ambitions, goals, personal interests, and presentation, with style, grooming, and overall conduct contributing to the final assessment.
How Do I Nominate?
Are you ready to represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show and make a difference in your community?
Please ensure you have read the Conditions of Entry(PDF, 158KB) before completing the Nomination Form(PDF, 419KB) here.
Please email your completed nomination form to show@rrc.qld.gov.au by midnight on Sunday 2 February 2025.