[PRESS RELEASE] South Australian wins 2024 National Rural Ambassador at Melbourne Royal Show
Announcement posted by Writers Who 06 Oct 2024
Lachlan Johnson from South Australia has emerged as the nation's new Rural Ambassador in the program's 33rd year.
As the 2024 National Rural Ambassador, Lachlan will embark on a year-long journey, representing rural Australia and advocating for the importance of agricultural shows in fostering community spirit and agricultural development.
"Lachlan's success today is a recognition of his dedication to both his local community and the agricultural industry," Agricultural Shows Australia's Katie Stanley said.
An agricultural diesel mechanic from Bordertown and Mundulla, Lachlan works at Wiese Farms while also running his own business, Johnson Built Bordertown. He is a driving force behind the Mundulla Show, where he serves as Vice President, organising events such as the Scrap Heap Challenge and Young Farmers Challenge. Beyond his work in agriculture, Lachlan is a committed community leader, holding key roles in the Bordertown CFS Brigade and other local organisations. Over the coming year, he will represent agricultural shows across Australia, shining a spotlight on the next generation of rural leaders.
Runner-up Caitlin Radford, representing Tasmania, is a fifth-generation farmer from Moriarty, known for her passion for both agriculture and equestrian sports. Caitlin's farming enterprises include peas, beans, cauliflowers, potatoes, and sheep. She is a well-respected equestrian, having represented Tasmania at national events and earning titles such as Australian Para Equestrian Champion. Caitlin is also heavily involved in her local agricultural community, including her work with Agfest Field Days and the Devonport Show. Her business, Radford Dressage and Freestyle Music, showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, providing equestrian coaching and music services for dressage performances. Caitlin's achievements reflect her deep commitment to promoting Tasmania's agricultural sector.
The competition saw a high calibre of competition from other states: Lauren Patane from Western Australia, Louise Hobbs from Victoria, and Harrison Lehman from Queensland.
The Rural Ambassador competition is open to males and females, aged between 20-30 years of age
"Each finalist has made significant contributions to their rural communities and agricultural industries, embodying the values that the National Rural Ambassador program seeks to promote," Stanley said.
"We are incredibly proud to run this competition, celebrating the passion and commitment of young rural leaders like Lachlan and Caitlin. Their dedication to their communities and the agricultural sector is truly inspiring."
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