Young rural leaders will have more support and more opportunity to develop with the State Government providing $130,000 to the Agricultural Societies Council of South Australia.
The funding has been allocated to help deliver the Rural Ambassadors youth leadership development programs for 2022 and 2023.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said SA’s youth were the leaders of tomorrow which is why it was important to invest in programs to develop leadership skills from an early age.
“Agriculture underpins South Australia’s economic and social fabric and we need to ensure we have a strong crop of young leaders to make sure rural communities prosper and thrive well into the future,” Minister Basham said.
“The Young Rural and Rural Ambassador awards programs are a key part of what country shows and local show societies deliver to regional communities across South Australia each year.
“Unfortunately, many country shows have been unable to go ahead over the past two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“We eagerly look forward to the return of country shows across South Australia in 2022.
“By investing $130,000 in the Rural Ambassador programs we are investing not only in rural youth but in the importance of getting these shows up and running again.”
Rural and Young Rural Ambassador Coordinator Peter Angus said the sponsorship would provide opportunities for passionate young people in rural and regional South Australia to promote their communities while expanding their thinking and horizons.
“These important programs will continue to offer all entrants additional training and personal development and introduce them to new networks to further their careers, whether they be in agriculture, health, education, business and service industries,” Mr Angus said.
“It is important to highlight the achievements of young rural people and foster their enthusiasm, commitment and leadership capabilities as they become community leaders both now and into the future.”
The program for the Young Rural Ambassador is open to those aged 16 to 19, while the Rural Ambassador is open to those aged 20 to 30.
