A young leader from Coonamble who “dreams big” has received national recognition for her work across country NSW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emily Ryan, 22, was named the runner-up of the Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) Rural Ambassador Award.
The competition drew a pool of passionate and talented finalists representing all Australian states and New Zealand, and was won by Queenslander Justin Matthews.
Miss Ryan’s success caps off a busy 18 months since she was named 2016 Rural Ambassador of NSW at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The education student who works at Coonamble Public School and St Brigid’s School Coonamble was the driving force behind Gulargambone Show’s first Showgirl competition in 40 years in June.
In her time as ambassador Miss Ryan attended shows across the state and promoted youth involvement in community organisations.
It’s been a huge task and she doesn’t consider her work is done yet.
“So through my community involvement in Rotary, show societies and ASC of NSW Next Generation I have been able to further promote this youth involvement and the changes we can make,” she said.
“As well as the possibility to keep these community groups running in future years.”
In the next 12 months the rural achiever hopes to finish her education degree and travel across the country exploring the different Royal Shows.
“I would like to help out where needed and continue to push my passion for youth as well as my passion for rural public education,” Miss Ryan said.
The national Rural Ambassador Award was announced at a ceremony hosted by Victorian Agricultural Shows in Melbourne on September 25.
The excited runner-up, whose family were there to share the occasion with her, wants to inspire others.
“There is a quote I always stick to and it is ‘if you can dream it, you can achieve it. So dream big and anything can happen’ and that quote relates to all people,” Miss Ryan said.
“If you are passionate about something, then keep pushing for it.
“The only thing holding you back is yourself.
“Nothing ever started out massive, it was baby steps that made it what it is.
“If all young people know that they have a purpose in life and they are needed then our communities will be kicking goals.”
Agricultural Shows Australia, a newly-formed body, represents the at least 580 agricultural shows held annually across the country, collectively contributing more than $950 million to the Australian economy.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
