Rural Ambassador Award
Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Rockhampton Agricultural Show Rural Ambassador Competition
Agriculture’s future depends on smart, dedicated young leaders. The Rural Ambassador Competition helps emerging leaders show what they can do, speak up for what matters, and create real change in the vital farming communities that keep our country strong.
Hearty congratulations to 2024 Rural Ambassador Shikira Stehbens for winning both the Rockhampton Agricultural Show and Central Queensland Sub-Chamber finals and representing Central Queensland at the Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka). Special mention to Ty Lawrie for placing as Rural Ambassador Runner-Up at the 2024 Rockhampton Agricultural Show.
More About the Rural Ambassador Competition?
Proudly sponsored by the Great Western Hotel, the Rural Ambassador Competition not only serves as a platform for personal growth and connection but also recognises and celebrates the impact the agricultural sector has on our everyday lives.
The Rural Ambassador personal development program, which runs before and during the Show, equips our young leaders with added confidence and capabilities to contribute even more effectively in their chosen areas of agriculture. With opportunities for learning, volunteering, and building networks, it’s a great boost to any agricultural career.
The 2025 Rockhampton Rural Ambassador Award winner 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 the Ekka.
What are the prizes?
First Place Prize Package - valued at $1,000
The first-place winner will receive a generous prize package valued at $1,000, presented with a prestigious official sash and a bouquet of flowers. One of the most exciting aspects of the win is the civic recognition: the 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.
Second Place Prize Package - valued at $500
Even our runner-up receives remarkable recognition that celebrates their achievements. The second-place winner is awarded a prize package valued at $500. Like the first-place winner, the runner-up is presented with an official sash symbolising their accomplishment and commemorative flowers to mark their success.
What commitments will the entrants have?
The Rural Ambassador Competition offers several exciting opportunities for participants to engage with their community, develop personal skills, and represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show in the lead-up to the Show in June.
Mark these important dates in your calendar to ensure you can meet the expectations of the Rockhampton Rural Ambassador Competition.
26 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.
27 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.
11 June: Nominee Celebration and Q&A
With our Rockhampton Rural Ambassador Competition sponsor, the Great Western Hotel, you’ll take part in a special event highlighting the journeys of all nominees, featuring a judged on-stage Q&A session and the opportunity to showcase your 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 a 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 support the various section committees by presenting awards and ribbons in 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 the entrants 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 the 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.
Questions?
We're happy to help. Contact the team by emailing show@rrc.qld.gov.au