Eddie locks in as 2026 Young Rural Ambassador

Naracoorte’s Eddie Lock has been named the 2026 Young Rural Ambassador, in recognition of his dedication to agricultural shows and the rural and regional communities they showcase.

It’s the second year in a row that a representative from the Naracoorte Show and the South East and Border Show Association has been named Young Rural Ambassador, after Shayla Lepse received the honour last year.

Eddie picked up the award at the SA Country Shows Youth Presentation Night at the Adelaide Pavilion on Friday, 17 July, in recognition of his dedication across most of his life supporting and helping to deliver the Naracoorte Show.

He currently convenes the show’s poultry, pigeon, technologies and Young Farmer Challenge sections while also contributing as an active exhibitor.

Eddie is deeply passionate about primary industries and is currently studying agricultural sciences at Adelaide University, while also being actively involved in the Adelaide University Agricultural Students Association and SA Next Generation Group, and serving as vice president of the Naracoorte Poultry and Pigeon Club.

The runner-up 2026 Young Rural Ambassador is Chloe Crawford, who represents the Northern Agricultural Shows Association of South Australia and the Crystal Brook Show.

Chloe currently convenes the Handicrafts Junior Section at the Crystal Brook Show, and is also driving the introduction of the Young Farmer Challenge to next month’s show program.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Young Rural Ambassador Award, which recognises young South Australians aged 16 to 19 who make important contributions to agricultural shows and their rural and regional communities.

Supported by the Malinauskas Government, the award also highlights the importance of youth participation in the agricultural show movement and supports the development of its next generation of leaders.