[MEDIA ALERT] Ag teacher in training crowned 2025 National Rural Ambassador

Grace Collins, 22, from Turramurra, New South Wales took out the national Rural Ambassador Award honour at a gala dinner on Friday September 5 at the Arkaba Hotel. Runner-up was Thea Walker, 24, from Manjimup, Western Australia. The event was supported by R.M. Williams and Akubra, the official national uniform sponsor.

Hosted by South Australian Country Shows, this year's finals capped off a journey for seven finalists from across Australia that started at local shows and worked its way through regional and state levels to the national stage. 

The competition is in its 24th year and celebrates young people passionate about championing their communities and regions.

While she grew up on Sydney's North Shore, Grace spent every school holiday soaking up life on her grandparents' property in the Hunter Valley. She studied a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England in Armidale and showed Hereford cattle, mentoring young people through the show circuit and Hereford Youth programs. 

Now back in Sydney, Grace is working towards becoming a high school ag teacher and already supports students in the classroom, boarding house, and show ring. She's proof that opportunities in agriculture and the show community are limitless, regardless of your background. 

"Each of the finalists are from different backgrounds and each have a unique perspective on the agricultural industry and rural communities, but we are united by a passion for opening doors and providing opportunities for younger generations and to encourage the continuation of volunteers to be a part of their local community," Grace said. 

"It's been absolutely fantastic to travel around the Royal Adelaide Show and see some of the amazing food, fibre, produce and people that Adelaide has to share with us."

Grace thanked the councillors and staff at the NSW Royal Agricultural Society and AgShows NSW, crediting their support for her success throughout the last 18 months since she was named the NSW representative for the NSW Rural Achiever program at the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

Grace and Thea will spend the next 12 months maximising their exposure to agricultural shows around Australia, taking  mentorship, leadership and career and community development opportunities along the way, and bringing their learnings back to their local communities.

"It is such a privilege to be able to travel around as the National Rural Ambassador for the next 12 months," Grace said.

"It has been a pleasure to get to know the six finalists. The connections and networks you make through this program are invaluable. I am so proud to be the 2025 ASA National Rural Ambassador," 

Thea, a full-time horticultural farm business consultant who works with fruit and vegetable growers around Australia, echoed Grace's sentiments. 

"Standing alongside some of the most talented and passionate advocates for the future of agriculture and rural communities, being awarded the runner up in the ASA National Rural Ambassador award was an extremely humbling and proud moment," she said. 

"I am excited for the role agricultural shows will continue to play in fostering a deeper connection with and understanding of agriculture and have been greatly inspired by the people I have met during this experience who are making it all happen."

Finalists are chosen for their commitment to agriculture, their local shows, and their communities. At the Nationals, they're assessed on passion, knowledge, communication, and presentation. The final decision was no easy feat, according to National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke, member of the judging panel. 

"The judges found it extremely difficult to split the participants. We met them not only in a social setting but also tested them on skills and knowledge around how they are involved not only in the community, but in their shows, their aspirations, goals, dreams and desires. The process is challenging and down to the finest points. Any of the seven participants could easily be the National Rural Ambassador," he said. 

"They are going to be future leaders in our industry. We do hope that the next crop of participants are as valuable to not only their community but as passionate about agriculture as they are."

Outgoing 2024 National Rural Ambassador, Lachlan Johnson from South Australia enjoyed touring the Royal Adelaide Show with the 2025 cohort and learning about the initiatives each spearhead in their local shows and communities. Lachlan handed the reins over to Grace, noting the future of rural Australia in good hands. 

"Rural Australia is innovative and full of opportunity. We need to ensure we continue to collaborate, network and work together," he said. 

Jacqueline (Jac) Wilson-Smith, Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia - the peak body for 572 shows that draw six million visitors annually and inject nearly $1 billion into the national economy - described the award as an important platform for young people.

"This award gives young leaders the chance to share their perspectives, build knowledge and experience, and connect with like-minded peers across their state and the nation," Jac said.

For more information, please contact Katie Stanley, Executive Officer, Agricultural Shows Australia: execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au | 0402 127 001.