Mackenzie Wilson from Williamstown in the Barossa is South Australia's Young Rural Ambassador for 2023.
Mackenzie, who represents the Gawler Show and the Northern Show Region is studying for a double degree in Journalism and the Arts at the University of South Australia. She has been a very active volunteer for the Gawler Show, including as an office holder in the Youth Team. Mackenzie has a deep interest in the history of her region and is a leader by example for increasing youth participation in her community.
The runner up was Daniella Yates from the Kimba Show and Eyre Peninsula Show Association. Daniella is enjoying a gap year as governess at Inverleigh West Station before embarking on a Bachelor of Agriculture course. She has been committed to local shows since childhood with art collection entries to current volunteer work behind the scenes with a strong appreciation of the importance of the local show to the community.
The Young Ambassador Award, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, has been run by SA Country Shows for 25 years. While the award recognises the contribution made by these particular young people it also acknowledges the importance of strong youth participation to the agricultural show movement. The awards have become a valuable succession process for South Australia's country shows with entrants often assuming leadership roles within their respective show societies, communities and within agricultural industries.
The 2023 state winner and runner up were announced at a dinner on Friday 14 July at the Adelaide Showground.
2023 Young Rural Ambassador Award state finalists
- Winner, Mackenzie Wilson (Northern)
- Runner up, Daniella Yates (Eyre Peninsula)
- Brooke Woodifield (Central Districts)
- Tess Gerhardy (Northern)
- Bella Minge (South East and Border)
- Ryan O'Shaughnessy (South East and Border)
- Nathan Lush (Southern).
