The fight to become Victoria’s next Rural Ambassador is fierce, with young leaders from across the state competing for one of the highest honours in agricultural shows.
However these emerging leaders are reshaping the future of agriculture and their passion is a win for the community regardless of who takes the top prize.
“It’s that experience of coming together that makes us come back again,” they said.
A new generation of young leaders is stepping forward, proving that fresh faces are needed to shake up Victoria’s agricultural shows. The 2025 Rural Ambassador State Finals highlighted volunteers driving change, innovation, and renewed energy across regional communities.
The Rural Ambassador Award, run by Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd (VAS), recognises young people aged 20–30 who demonstrate strong community involvement, leadership, and commitment to rural industries.
With more than 110 affiliated societies across the state, it is regarded as one of the highest honours for emerging show leaders.
Among this year’s finalists were familiar local faces: Andrew Spierings (Berwick, Bunyip, South and Central region, Melbourne Royal leadership), Giorgi Boucher (Pakenham, Seymour, Cohuna, and Melbourne Royal leadership), and Sheridan Venables (Pakenham and Yarram).
Andrew Spierings – Central & South Gippsland Group & Berwick Show
Raised on a beef cattle property at Nar Nar Goon, Andrew’s earliest memories are of the sheep shed at the Pakenham Show, where his family were long-time volunteers. Today, he balances his career as a barrister with extensive volunteer roles across agricultural shows — serving as President and Chief Cattle Steward at both Bunyip and Berwick, chairing Melbourne Royal’s Emerging Leaders Group, and stewarding at shows across Gippsland.
Giorgi Boucher – Northern District Group & Cohuna Show
Now living on her husband’s seventh-generation family farm in Leitchville, Giorgi helps run a mixed livestock enterprise while running her own bookkeeping business. As Secretary of the Cohuna Show, she has spearheaded new initiatives to boost community engagement. She is also a member of Melbourne Royal’s Emerging Leaders Group and has volunteered interstate at Tasmania’s Agfest.
Sheridan Venables – Gippsland Group & Yarram Show
At just 20, Sheridan has already made her mark as Vice President of the Yarram Show. She has introduced the Honey Eater Adventure Trail, reintroduced livestock classes, and revived the popular Dog High Jump. Sheridan has raised more than $15,000 in sponsorships and continues to mentor younger participants. She has also represented Pakenham Show at the Junior Ambassador competition.
Andrew’s leadership was recognised with the Runner-Up award at the finals.
The 2025 Rural Ambassador Award was awarded to Harry Lloyd from the Goulburn Valley Group and Kyabram Show, who will go on to represent Victoria at the 2026 National Finals in Queensland.
VAS congratulated all the state finalists for their professionalism and dedication.
“You are all to be admired for the way you conducted yourself across the state final process and your show societies should be so proud of you,” VSA said.
“Thank you to our three judges Paul Grayland, Melissa Ware & Fiona McIntyre for their time and effort in judging the state finalists!
“Thank you to our sponsors Gallagher Australia, Melbourne Royal & RB Sellars for their support of our State Final!”
Past president of the 114th Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society, South and Central Gippsland regional president, and 2025 Cardinia Shire Stan Henwood awardee Geoff Young said he couldn’t be prouder of three outstanding individuals—Andrew, Giorgi, and Sheri—whom he has watched grow.
“We will continue to nurture talented individuals and encourage their pursuits in life knowing they have had the backbone of their local community behind them and they can always draw strength from anyone within our agricultural community,” Geoff said.
“We stand by our young people and encourage and nurture their ideas – at times you know they may need extra help and we find it. If we don’t encourage our youth and mentor them into the next chapter of agriculture or horticulture, we haven’t done our job.
“There are so many amazing avenues to broaden their horizons through agriculture, horticulture, orchards, sustainability, environment, cropping, prograze, forestry, fisheries and the like.”
Speaking at the state finals, Andrew highlighted volunteerism as the heart of every agricultural show.
He told the judges that while the work of putting on a show is demanding, it’s the fellowship at the end — when the tents are down, the fences are packed away, and volunteers finally gather to reflect — that captures the spirit of community.
“It’s that experience of coming together that makes us come back again,” Andrew said.
“It’s ultimately what keeps shows going. It encourages people to be involved and to contribute.
However, each rural ambassador finalist and show recognises they still have a long way to go in tackling declining volunteerism.
“Volunteerism is vitally important…there’s not enough of it,” Andrew said.
“We get a richer community life and a more cohesive community. But at the same time, I think we all share a sense of declining volunteerism.”
Images supplied by Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd show the finalists in action at the 2025 Rural Ambassador State Finals.
