Step Up ~ Get Involved ~ See Where It Takes You.

Are you aged 20 to 29 and passionate about your community, agriculture, regional life, or simply interested in becoming more involved?

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award is an opportunity to meet new people, build confidence, grow your network and have some incredible experiences, all while becoming part of the Cairns Show community.

And you don’t need to be an agricultural expert, experienced public speaker or lifelong Show volunteer to enter.

We’re looking for young people who are genuine, enthusiastic, willing to learn and ready to have a go.

Whether you work in agriculture, study, run a business, volunteer, grew up around Shows, have recently discovered an interest in rural industries, or simply want to become more connected with your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Become a Rural Ambassador?

The program gives you the chance to:

• Build your confidence and leadership skills
• Meet people from agriculture, business and the wider community
• Grow your personal and professional network
• Develop your communication and public speaking skills
• Learn more about agriculture and regional industries
• Get involved behind the scenes at the Cairns Show
• Attend events and represent your community
• Share your ideas and perspectives
• Make new friendships and connections
• Challenge yourself and try something different

Most importantly, it’s about getting involved, enjoying the experience and discovering what you’re capable of.

Where Could It Take You?

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award can be the beginning of an exciting journey through the Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards, a leadership program for young adults involved or interested in agriculture, rural communities and the Agricultural Show Movement.

Successful ambassadors may have the opportunity to progress through regional competition, with Queensland finalists coming together at the Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) for the State Finals.

It’s an opportunity to represent Cairns and Far North Queensland, meet other young ambassadors from across the state and create connections that can last well beyond the program.

Who Can Enter?

The Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award is open to eligible Australian citizens 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

You don’t need a degree or an impressive resume.

Tertiary qualifications are not required, and you don’t need to know everything about agriculture before you enter.

We’re interested in young people who:

• Have an interest in agriculture and rural or regional communities
• Are involved, or would like to become involved, with their local Agricultural Show
• Want to learn more about issues affecting agriculture and regional communities
• Have ideas they’d like to share
• Are enthusiastic about meeting people and trying new things
• Want to develop their confidence, leadership and communication skills

You don’t need to tick every box. The Rural Ambassador program is an opportunity to learn and grow along the way.

Key Dates 2027

• Entries close: Monday 15 March 2027
• Ambassador Awards Night: Friday 26 March 2027
• Location: Bungalow Hotel

What’s Involved?

As a Cairns Show Rural Ambassador, you’ll experience the Cairns Show from a completely different perspective.

Rather than simply attending the Show, you’ll become part of it.

You’ll meet exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, community leaders, agricultural representatives and visitors while helping us celebrate the industries, people and traditions that make the Cairns Show special.

Ambassadors are encouraged to attend the majority of the three-day Cairns Show and take part in a range of activities, but the experience is designed to be enjoyable, welcoming and rewarding.

During the Cairns Show

Depending on the program, you may have the opportunity to:

• Take part in media interviews and help promote the Cairns Show
• Attend official functions, including the President’s Luncheons
• Meet community leaders, businesses and government representatives
• Help share the Cairns Show experience through social media
• Take part in the official Opening Ceremony
• Help judge selected competitions and present awards
• Attend the Show as an Official Guest
• And one of the fun ones, help judge and award the Best Ride at the Show! 🎡

It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet people, get involved behind the scenes and experience the Show in a way most visitors never get to see.

Beyond the Cairns Show

Your Rural Ambassador experience doesn’t necessarily finish when the Show gates close.

Throughout the year, there may be opportunities to:

• Attend the Cairns Show Wine Awards
• Be part of 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
• Take part in the Cairns Festival Parade
• Join the Babinda Harvest Festival Parade
• Represent the Cairns Show at agricultural and community events
• Meet and connect with people from across Far North Queensland and beyond

Every experience is another opportunity to build your confidence, expand your network, make new friends and create some great memories.

Thinking About Entering?

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.

You don’t have to know everything about agriculture.

And you don’t have to already see yourself as a “leader.”

Sometimes leadership starts with simply being willing to show up, get involved and have a go.

If you’re passionate about your community, curious about agriculture or regional life, and ready to challenge yourself with something new, the Cairns Show Rural Ambassador Award could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Bring your personality ~ Bring your ideas ~ Be yourself.

Take the first step. You never know where it might lead.