Rural Ambassador Award 2025

2025 Rockhampton Agricultural show rural ambassadors 

The Rockhampton Agricultural Show would like to thank and acknowledge the Great Western Hotel for their support and contribution to the 2024 Rockhampton Agricultural Show Rural Ambassador Award.

Congratulations to Shikira Stehbens for winning at both Rockhampton Agricultural Show and Central Queensland Sub-Chamber finals, who then went on to represent Central Queensland at the Ekka. Congratulations to Ty Lawrie for placing as Runner Up at the Rockhampton Agricultural Show.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

The Award is dedicated to empowering young individuals within rural communities and industries while highlighting the vital role of agriculture. This initiative not only serves as a platform for personal growth but also fosters a deep appreciation for the agricultural sector and its impact on our everyday lives.

This program aims to equip young leaders with the confidence and capabilities necessary to return to their communities and industries. By assuming leadership positions, they can actively contribute to the sustainability and growth of rural areas, ensuring that the importance of agriculture continues to be recognised and celebrated. The Award not only cultivates individual potential but also strengthens the fabric of rural communities through the passionate advocacy of its youth.

ROLES & ACTIVITES AT THE ROCKHAMPTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW

• Promote and Share the Rockhampton Show on Social Media.
• Participate in the Grand Parade
• Present Awards to Competition Winners
• Participate in the Fashion Parade
• Enjoy free entry to the Rockhampton Show as an Official Guest!
  
  

WHO CAN ENTER?

The Rural Ambassador Award is open to young men and women, 20 to 30 years of age who have a strong commitment to the rural industries and an involvement and passion for the Agricultural Show movement.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Across the competition, the entrants are judged based on the below criteria.

2024 Rockhampton Rural Ambassador

Shikira Stehbens

Shikira has in previous years exhibited, stewarded and judged poultry at Agricultural Shows around Central Queensland. She has a keen interest in breeding and showing of poultry.

Shikira has a Bachelor of Agriculture, with a minor in nutrition and liberal studies. She has shown poultry at State level and judged at State Finals for novice judging. This is where she aspires to be a successful poultry shower and judge.

In previous years Shikira managed a bar at Rockhampton Jockey Club and she now works for Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as a cadet steward in both thoroughbreds and greyhounds.

When asked why she applied for Rural Ambassador this year, Shikira’s reply was to help promote exhibition poultry and to create greater awareness for our local Agricultural Society of poultry disease and vaccinations.

2024 Rockhampton Rural Ambassador runner up

Ty Lawrie

Ty is 25 and loves to be on his family property at Westwood, where he has been employed for 4 years now.

Ty has an interest in cattle farming and crop irrigation, and he is currently studying for his Bachelor Degree of Agriculture.  

He has farm hand and farm manager experience that he can relate to Rural Ambassador. Ty inspires to own and run a successful cattle farm of his own and to offset into different business avenues. He loves to go motorbike riding and fishing.

When asked why he applied for Rural Ambassador this year, Ty’s reply was that he is interested in the cattle industry and wants to be more community-based believing that as Rural Ambassador he can assist the Agricultural Society by teaching and giving people a better understanding.

Check out the show program for more details.

For specific competition enquiries please email show@rrc.qld.gov.au