The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award is a stepping stone to the Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards – the premier rural and agricultural leadership program for young adults aged 20–30.

The Award provides an opportunity for young people to promote rural communities and industries while advocating for the importance of agriculture and food production.

Run by Queensland Ag Shows since 2003, the Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards empower young leaders to promote Queensland agriculture, rural communities, show societies, and regional life. The program helps entrants grow their confidence, expand networks, develop leadership skills, and build the ambition to return to their communities as future leaders.

A common trait among finalists is a strong commitment to their communities. Many have grown up with agricultural shows and continue to play a significant role in supporting local events.

Each year, eleven finalists representing regions across Queensland gather at the Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) for the state finals.

 

Eligibility

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award is open to persons born in Australia or naturalised Australians permanently residing in Queensland.

Entrants must:

• be aged 20 and under 30 years as at 1 May in the year of the State Final

• be male or female

• be single or married

 

Key Dates

Entries close: Monday 16 March
Ambassador Awards Night: Friday 27 March
Location: Bungalow Hotel

 

How to Enter

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award provides an opportunity to develop leadership, confidence, and community involvement while strengthening connections with agriculture and the Show movement.

Entrants should:

• Be actively involved, or willing to become involved, in their local Agricultural Society or Show

• Be knowledgeable about rural issues affecting their local area, Queensland, and Australia

• Demonstrate a strong affiliation with agriculture and rural communities

Tertiary qualifications are not required. The Award seeks young people who embody the rural spirit – forward-thinking individuals with vitality and a passion for the land and local shows.

 

What’s Involved

The Cairns Show is the largest regional agricultural show in Australia, proudly connecting the city with the country by showcasing rural industries to Cairns and surrounding communities.

As a Cairns Show Rural Ambassador, your primary role is to promote the Cairns Show and the Cairns Show Association. Ambassadors are expected to attend the majority of the three-day Show and participate in various official activities.

 

Roles & Activities at the Cairns Show

• Promote agriculture, the Cairns Show, and the Show Movement through media interviews

• Attend official functions including the President’s Luncheons

• Engage with Members of Parliament, local government, businesses, and the public

• Promote the Cairns Show via social media

• Participate in the Opening Ceremony (Main Arena Centre Stage)

• Judge competitions and present awards

• Enjoy complimentary entry as an Official Guest

• Judge and award the Best Ride at the Show 🎡

 

Roles & Activities Outside the Show

• Attend the Cairns Show Wine Awards

• Attend the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular

• Represent Cairns at the QCAS Northern Sub-Chamber Finals

• Participate in the Warwick Show exchange program

• Join the Mareeba Rodeo Downtown Parade

• March in the Cairns Festival Parade & Babinda Harvest Festival Parade

• Represent the Cairns Show at local agricultural and community events