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 a wealth of experience across beef, cropping, sugarcane, agribusiness and rural leadership. From lifelong show volunteers and committee members to producers, agronomists and agricultural professionals, each finalist is helping shape the future of their local community and the agricultural show movement.
Get to know this year’s finalists.
Lauren Finger
Taroom Show Society | South West Queensland Sub-Chamber
A fifth-generation producer from Taroom, Lauren owns and operates a commercial beef enterprise, La Shae Droughtmaster Stud and a horse breeding operation. She also works as a Beef Genetics Consultant and volunteers as Chief Stud Cattle Steward at the Taroom Show. Lauren is passionate about promoting agriculture, supporting local shows and encouraging more young people to become involved.
Holly Ahern
Biggenden Show Society | Burnett Sub-Chamber
Growing up on her family’s cattle property near Gayndah inspired Holly’s lifelong passion for agriculture. Today, she runs a Grey Brahman stud with her partner and operates The Paddock Lens, showcasing the people and livestock that make the industry so special. Holly is committed to strengthening rural communities through authentic leadership and connection.
Megan Kent
Callide Valley Show Society | Central Queensland Sub-Chamber
Agriculture has shaped Megan’s journey from an early age. After establishing her own Brahman stud at just 16, she now works with producers across Queensland through the stockfeed industry. Megan is passionate about beef production, genetics and creating opportunities for others to learn, contribute and grow.
Matthew Lukritz
Toogoolawah Show Society | West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub-Chamber
A fifth-generation farmer, Matthew and his wife operate Simmental and Droughtmaster studs alongside commercial cattle enterprises. Active exhibitors and supporters of local and Royal Shows, they are passionate about the important role agricultural shows play in bringing communities together and supporting regional Australia.
Georgie Orman
Longreach Show Society | Central & North West Sub-Chamber
Originally from a mixed farming property in New South Wales, Georgie now works in Agribusiness Banking after studying Agribusiness. She is passionate about supporting agriculture through strong relationships and believes great leadership starts with listening, collaboration and helping communities achieve positive outcomes together.
Erin Goodwin
Alpha Show Society | Central Highlands Sub-Chamber
From pavilion competitions as a child to junior judging, cattle competitions and volunteering with the Alpha Show Society, Erin has grown up immersed in the show movement. She is passionate about keeping country shows strong and inspiring the next generation to become involved.
Rhiannan Harragon
Herbert River Pastoral & Agricultural Association (Ingham Show) | North Queensland Sub-Chamber
A fourth-generation member of a sugarcane farming family, Rhiannan works as a field agronomist while completing a Bachelor of Agriculture. A lifelong exhibitor and active Ingham Show committee member, she is passionate about agriculture, rural communities and encouraging others to get involved in the show movement.
Matthew McCauley
Murgon Show Society | South Burnett Sub-Chamber
An agronomist with strong ties to agriculture and local shows, Matthew combines practical industry knowledge with a commitment to community. He believes agricultural shows play an important role in strengthening regional Queensland and is passionate about supporting the people who make them possible.
Angus Cronin
Jandowae & District Show Society | Darling Downs Sub-Chamber
A fifth-generation broadacre farmer and Agricultural Science and Agribusiness student at the University of Queensland, Angus is passionate about agricultural education and bridging the gap between rural and urban Australia. He is a strong advocate for encouraging young people to become involved in agriculture and local shows.
Sally Rodwell
Beaudesert Show Society | South East Queensland Sub-Chamber
Growing up on a cattle station and within her family’s dairy farming operation gave Sally a deep appreciation for rural life, resilience and community. She is passionate about agricultural shows and the important role they play in bringing people together and strengthening regional communities.
Hannah Retschlag
Kilcoy Show Society | Near North Coast Sub-Chamber
A fifth-generation farmer, Hannah has a lifelong connection to beef cattle, cropping and agricultural shows. As Chainsaw Racing Steward at Kilcoy Show and a long-time competitor, she is passionate about celebrating rural traditions while creating new opportunities for women in sport and agriculture.
Celebrating Rural Leadership
Each of these finalists has already made a meaningful contribution to their local Show Society and community. Their commitment to agriculture, volunteerism and rural leadership reflects the values at the heart of Queensland’s agricultural shows.
We congratulate all eleven finalists and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2026 Queensland Rural Ambassador State Finals. We wish them every success as they represent their Show Societies, regions and communities on the state stage.
Want to learn more about the Queensland Rural Ambassador Program? Explore the program and follow the State Finals as we celebrate the next generation of rural leaders.
