2026 Rural Ambassador of the Year announced

Sarah Lavelle from Clare has been named the 2026 South Australian Rural Ambassador of the Year, receiving the accolade at the SA Country Shows Annual Awards Dinner last night.

The award recognises her outstanding contributions to country shows and her regional community leadership.

Sarah has a long-held passion for regional South Australia, representing the Clare Show and the Northern Show Association and accruing more than 20 years of equestrian experience, competing in equestrian events both here in SA and across NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

As an accredited Royal and National Show Horse judge, Sarah has held multiple leadership roles at agricultural shows, including serving on the Clare Show Committee and as the Ringmaster for Horses in Action.

Beyond the show ring, Sarah plays an important role in helping to share the story of the Clare Valley’s renowned wine and grape industry, serving as a board member of the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association, State Champion at Rootlings Australia, and working as the Direct-to-Consumer and Marketing Manager at the oldest winery in the region, Sevenhill Cellar.

She is also passionate about youth development, engagement and creating clear, meaningful pathways for young people to get involved in agriculture and country shows.

This year’s first runner-up for the Rural Ambassador Award is Cassy Duncan-Tiver, who represents the Jamestown Show and the Northern Show Association, and the second runner-up is Sophie Tamblyn, who represents the Naracoorte Show and the South East and Border Show Association.

Cassy has been involved in cattle shows for more than a decade, achieving success in junior judging and taking on leadership roles in youth and cattle events. Sophie holds a degree in Animal Science and an Honours degree from Adelaide University, and regularly exhibits in cookery, photography, flowers and produce at the Naracoorte P&A Show Society Committee.

The Rural Ambassador Awards are open to people aged 20 to 30 years old, and are about celebrating the passion, leadership and commitment of young people who are helping to shape the future of regional South Australia and agricultural shows.

Proudly sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the Rural Ambassador Awards give young people the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and perspectives, while building their knowledge of, and connections with, South Australia’s primary industries.

As the South Australian Rural Ambassador, Sarah Lavelle will represent South Australia at the Rural Ambassador Award National Finals next year.