THE Bridgetown Agricultural Society has been chosen to host the south west zone’s stage of the Australia Wide Rural Ambassador Award for 2009.
The SW zone covers an area from Margaret River to Waroona with 14 agricultural societies represented in the towns in-between
This stage will be judged at the Bridgetown showground at an afternoon tea on Saturday, July 11.
Highlighting the importance of young people in rural Australia and, in particular, the agricultural show movement, the award gives young people a forum to express their views and opinions for their rural community.
It also provides opportunities to travel locally and nationally, as well as overseas, gaining experience and closer links with primary industry around the country. The award identifies and encourages enthusiastic, skilful and industrious young people who are involved in their own agricultural shows or their local communities.
Bridgetown Agricultural Society secretary Kathleen Larson said the society had three entrants for the South West zone, from Upper Blackwood, Donny-brook Apple Festival and Bridgetown.
“Kayecy Ward has been selected for Bridgetown,” Ms Lawson said. “I think we have a really good chance of winning with her as our representative.
“The winner of this section will get two passes to the Perth Royal Show and the overall winner for WA will be judged on August 15 just prior to the Show,” she said.
“The prize for the state winner is a $1000 study scholarship plus a Royal Agricultural Society blazer, while the runner-up receives a tour to the value of $500. All accommodation and meals are paid for while the contestants are in Perth for the judging and the one that goes to Melbourne to represent the state has their airfare and accommodation paid for by the Royal Agricultural Society.”
Candidates in the quest, must be aged between 20 and 30 years and a permanent resident of the state.
Judging is based on local and agriculture knowledge, presentation and the ability to hold an interview. Candidates also have to present a two-minute talk on a subject of their own choice, as well as have local community involvement and involvement in the local show.
The state winner is invited to promote their own town, and to help at the Royal Show in Perth if they wish.
Kayecy Ward said she was very excited about being nominated by the Bridgetown Society. “I see it as a real honour to be able to contribute to the local society, putting something back into the community where I have lived all my life,” she said.
“I would like to use this nomination as a starting point to get deeper involved in other aspects of rural life, I am currently involved as a councillor with the Bridgetown Society which I am enjoying very much.
“I am a fourth year Bachelor of Education student and I will be graduating as a teacher in 2010. Because education is my passion, I want to stay involved in any way that I can,” she said. “I enjoy teaching in rural areas where I have always lived. I find the rural children are well balanced, with respect and discipline.
“I would also like to spend some time in the more remote locations of WA where they find it hard to get teachers.”
Kayecy’s family have vineyards in the Blackwood Valley and she is currently involved in marketing their wines and setting up their business with them.
“As small landholders we have had to diversify into many different areas,” she said. “These have included horticulture, viticulture, prime lamb and even outside contracting to help us remain viable. One of the things I would like to be involved in is the promotion of the Blackwood region, with it’s standard of produce and exceptional quality.
“Being the Rural Ambassador would be a great honor for me,” Kayecy said. “I would make every effort to make a difference in our local communities.”
Her Rural Ambassador goals are:
• to promote the region through strategic marketing of local produce;
• assist in the preservation of historic landmarks, buildings and heritage areas by seeking government funding;
• to be involved in upcoming community projects and organisations and;
• to encourage other people to get involved, especially with youth and to promote the Rural Ambassador Award for future years.
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