Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards
The Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards is a leadership and professional development programme for young people aged 20 to 30 who are passionate about agriculture, regional communities and the agricultural show movement.
Run by Queensland Ag Shows since 2003, the programme supports emerging leaders from across the state while celebrating the people helping shape the future of rural Queensland. Participants represent their local Agricultural Shows, communities and regional networks while building valuable skills in leadership, communication, advocacy and community engagement.
From agriculture and agtech to education, business, health, media, science and skilled trades, Queensland Rural Ambassadors reflect the diversity, strength and spirit of regional Queensland.
A Pathway for Future Rural Leaders
The programme gives young Queenslanders the opportunity to:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Develop public speaking and communication experience
- Connect with leaders across agriculture and regional Queensland
- Become more involved in their local Agricultural Shows and communities
- Represent and promote rural Queensland on a state stage
Along the way, participants form lasting connections, gain new experiences and grow their understanding of the important role Agricultural Shows play in bringing communities together.
Leadership
Developing confident young people who can represent their communities and industries.
Advocacy
Giving rural youth a voice in conversations about agriculture, regional communities and Queensland’s future.
Connection
Linking emerging leaders with agricultural shows, industry partners, sponsors and community networks.
Opportunity
Creating pathways for participants to grow, travel, speak, network and lead.
It all starts at your local show
The Queensland Rural Ambassador journey begins at your local Agricultural Show. From there, participants can progress through the programme all the way to the Queensland State Final and, for the state winner, the opportunity to represent Queensland at the national level. It’s a pathway that celebrates leadership, community involvement and pride in regional Queensland.
Local Show
Sub Chamber Finals
State Finals
National Finals
Winners
2025 Rural Ambassador Winner
Elliott Apel
Gin Gin Show Society
Burnett Sub Chamber
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Elliott Apel of Gin Gin was named the 2025 Queensland Rural Ambassador, recognised for his passion for agriculture, regional communities and the future of rural Queensland. A fourth-generation cattle producer who now works within Queensland’s sugarcane industry, Elliott brings a strong understanding of both traditional agriculture and the opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
Having grown up involved in agricultural shows, Elliott understands the important role they play in bringing communities together and creating opportunities for young people. Through the Rural Ambassador programme, he hopes to encourage the next generation to explore careers and leadership pathways within agriculture and regional Queensland.
Throughout his ambassador journey, Elliott has spoken passionately about leadership, succession planning and creating stronger pathways for the next generation in agriculture. He believes agricultural shows are more than events, they are places where communities come together, traditions are shared and future leaders are inspired. As Queensland Rural Ambassador, Elliott is looking forward to travelling across the state, meeting local communities and celebrating the people who continue to keep the show movement strong.
2025 Rural Ambassador Runner-Up
Darby Bourke
Chinchilla Show Society
South West Queensland Sub Chamber
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Darby Bourke of the Chinchilla Show Society was named Runner-Up in the Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards, recognised for his passion for agriculture, leadership and commitment to regional communities. Raised in Brigalow and involved in agriculture from a young age, Darby has built strong connections across Queensland’s cropping and beef industries while remaining deeply involved in his local show movement and community events.
Known for his hardworking attitude and strong community spirit, Darby is passionate about promoting the resilience and values that underpin rural Queensland. Through his involvement in events such as the Chinchilla Show Rodeo and the Rural Ambassador programme, he continues to advocate for the next generation of agricultural leaders while helping shine a light on the people and communities that keep regional Queensland strong.
2025 Rural Ambassador Community Spirit Winner
Tyler Littlewood
Sarina Show Society
Central Queensland Sub Chamber
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Tyler Littlewood of the Sarina Show Society was recognised with the Rural Ambassador Community Spirit Award for his strong commitment to rural communities, agriculture and supporting the next generation. Based in Nebo and working as a stock and station agent and helicopter pilot with Grant, Daniel & Long, Tyler has built his career through hard work, leadership and a genuine passion for the industry. From selling cattle at the Sarina showgrounds to mentoring young people entering agriculture, Tyler is focused on strengthening rural communities, embracing innovation and helping ensure the future of country Queensland remains strong and connected.
Previous Winners
Articles
Meet the 2026 Queensland Rural Ambassador State Finalists
Eleven outstanding young leaders. Eleven unique stories. One shared passion for agriculture, community and Queensland’s agricultural shows. The 2026 Queensland Rural Ambassador State Finalists represent Show Societies from every corner of the state, bringing with them…
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