Young rural leaders will have more support and more opportunity to develop with the Marshall Liberal Government providing $130,000 to the Agricultural Societies Council of South Australia to help deliver the Rural Ambassadors youth leadership development programs for 2022 and 2023.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said our youth are the leaders of tomorrow which is why it’s important we 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.
“It is very disappointing Labor cut funding to country shows when they were last in office. Labor’s cruel cuts took away sponsorships which helped volunteer show committees provide small monetary prizes for our talented young people entering into home crafts and livestock competitions. It’s obvious that Labor has no interest in providing a future for young people from the country.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to the highly successful Young Rural Ambassador programs and will continue to work closely with the Agricultural Societies Council of SA to ensure its continued success.”
Rural and Young Rural Ambassador Coordinator, Peter Angus, said the State Government’s generous sponsorship provides 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.
