THE Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has named eight talented and rural-minded individuals across NSW as 2016 RAS Rural Achievers.
Now in its 26th year, the RAS Rural Achiever program recognises and celebrates the positive contribution young people make to rural communities and the agricultural industry.
RAS councillor and Rural Achiever judge Grahame Sharpe said the program had a reputation for developing future leaders of the agricultural industry and he was excited about the talent 2016 has to offer.
“We received some outstanding applications for 2016 and a high calibre of individuals will get the opportunity to grow and learn within the program this year,” Mr Sharpe said.
“I’m proud to say the RAS will foster some excellent young talent and we can be confident the future of agriculture is in great hands.”
The 2016 RAS Rural Achievers are:
- Tamara Biffin, Cawdor: University of Sydney Livestock Veterinary Service research assistant
- Jordan Hoban, Cowra: NSW Department of Primary Industries meat science technical officer
- Hannah Kempton, Mudgee: Junior doctor based in Wagga Wagga
- Wesley Rohr, Kandos: Bachelor of Veterinary Science/Veterinary Biology student at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
- Emily Ryan, Coonamble: Bachelor of Education (primary) student studying at University of New England, Armidale
- Aimee Snowden, Tocumwal: Bachelor of Agricultural business management student at Charles Sturt University
- Sally Taylor, Trundle: Masters of environmental management and development student at Australian Nations University and University of New England
- Edward Thomas, Cooma: Jemalong Wool technical services wool representative.
The Rural Achievers will participate in a 12-month program that provides a range of networking and professional development opportunities, including seven-day behind-the-scenes experience at the 2016 Sydney Royal Show, official functions with RAS councilors and the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW representatives, cocktail reception at Government House, tour of NSW Parliament House and Fairfax Media offices - home of program sponsor The Land, and representing the RAS at Royal Shows and events across the country.
One Rural Achiever will also be selected to represent NSW at the 2017 National Rural Ambassador Awards in 2017.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 23, at a function celebrating the Rural Achievers during the Sydney Royal Show.
All finalists will receive $2000 in prize money, a 12-month RAS Alumni Membership and be outfitted in the latest country clothing from Akubra and Thomas Cook Clothing Co.
