Courtney Higgs from Naracoorte has been announced as the 2022 State Rural Ambassador Award winner.
Courtney from the South East of SA and Border Show Societies Association was named the winner at the State Rural Ambassador Awards dinner at the Royal Adelaide Show.
The State Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), is a proud sponsor of the Rural Ambassador Award, run by Country Shows SA.
The award program is open to people aged between 20-30 who are committed to their local show and community and highlights the importance of youth in the agricultural show movement.
The first runner up of the Rural Ambassador Award was Henry Schutz from the Eudunda Show and the Northern Agricultural Shows Association and the second runner-up was Michael Hollow, from the Yorke Peninsula Show Association.
The winner and the two runners up will go on a study tour as their prize.
The finalists were Jesse Chapman from the Southern Country Shows Association, Lisette Hutchins from the Northern Agricultural Shows Association, Luke Farrell from the South East of SA and Border Show Societies Association, Lachlan Grossman from the Central Districts Show Association and Hannah Wegner from the Murray Lands Show Association.
Courtney said winning the award felt like a dream.
“It is an honour to have participated in this program with my fellow Rural Ambassadors and I feel very grateful,” she said.
“Over the next 12 months I look forward to visiting as many shows as possible. I hope to encourage more young people in my region to participate in their local show and create a mentorship program to support them in their journey.
“I hope to use this program to share information between the different generations.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development, Forestry Clare Scriven was on hand to present the awards.
“The Rural Ambassador Award program is a vital part of South Australia’s show culture. It helps to engage the next generation of rural and regional South Australians in their local show societies,” she said.
“It also helps participants develop closer links with the primary industries in South Australia. There was an outstanding field of applicants this year all achieving great things. It shows the pipeline of future leaders in our regions is strong.
“It was great to be at the awards to congratulate winner Courtney, runners up Henry and Michael, as well as all the finalists
“Their passion for the industry was evident and I know they will continue to make valuable contributions to their local shows and communities.”
