Last month, we spoke about a quiet transformation taking place across Queensland’s agricultural show movement. Young people are increasingly stepping forward as volunteers, stewards, judges, committee members and leaders within their local Show Societies.
Over the past fortnight at the Ekka, we were reminded just how important the pathways that encourage and develop these young people really are. Each year, the Ekka brings together young people from across Queensland for the Queensland Ag Shows State Finals of the Young Judges, Young Paraders, Rural Ambassador and QLD Country Life Showgirl competitions.
This year was particularly special, with Queensland Ag Shows also hosting the National Finals, bringing together competitors from across Australia and providing another opportunity to showcase the strength of the next generation within the agricultural show movement.
For Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation, these competitions represent much more than what happens in the ring or on the stage. They are an important pathway for developing the future volunteers, judges, stewards and leaders of our agricultural shows.
Many of the young people participating in these programs are already heavily involved in their local Show Societies. Others may enter their first competition without ever imagining where that involvement could eventually take them.
A Young Judge competing today may become a chief steward or senior judge in the future. A Young Parader may go on to mentor the next generation of competitors. A Rural Ambassador or QLD Country Life Showgirl entrant may become a committee member, secretary, treasurer or president of their local Show Society.
But those pathways only develop when we support them. As long-serving volunteers begin to step back, it is increasingly important that our Show Societies actively encourage younger people to become involved, give them meaningful responsibilities and provide opportunities to learn from the enormous knowledge and experience that already exists within our movement.
Supporting young people does not mean simply asking them to help on Show Day. It means inviting them into the conversation, encouraging their ideas, providing opportunities to learn and develop, trusting them with responsibility and giving them the confidence to take the next step.
Importantly, this is not about replacing the generations who have built and sustained our Shows. It is about bringing generations together. The experience and knowledge of our long-serving volunteers, combined with the enthusiasm, ideas and energy of younger members, provide one of the strongest foundations we can build for the future of our Show Societies.
That is also why the Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Committee has such an important role to play. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of volunteers and emerging leaders who support the sustainability, development and future success of agricultural shows across Queensland.
Through representatives across our Sub-Chambers, Next Gen works to strengthen connections, support youth involvement, promote opportunities and help develop pathways for young people to become more involved within the agricultural show movement.
It was fantastic to have members of the Next Gen Committee at the Ekka throughout the State and National Finals this year, supporting competitors representing their Sub-Chambers at State level and our Queensland representatives competing at the National Finals.
That support is important. Whether someone progresses from their local Show to a Sub-Chamber Final, represents their Sub-Chamber at the State Finals or has the opportunity to represent Queensland nationally, we want young people within our movement to know that there is a network behind them encouraging their involvement and celebrating the contribution they are making.
The success of our Young Judges, Young Paraders, Rural Ambassadors and QLD Country Life Showgirls should therefore not be measured only by the competitions themselves.
Success is also seeing those young people return to their local Shows. It is seeing them become judges and stewards. It is seeing them volunteer, mentor others, join committees and eventually take on leadership roles.
Every young person we encourage to take that next step strengthens the future of our agricultural shows.
If you would like to become involved in Next Gen, Young Judges, Young Paraders, Rural Ambassador or QLD Country Life Showgirl programs, we encourage you to reach out to your local Show Society or your Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Sub-Chamber representative.
Likewise, if your Show Society does not currently offer one or more of these programs, please reach out to your Sub-Chamber or Next Gen representative. Support is available to help Shows develop opportunities for young people within their communities.
A list of Next Generation representatives and further information is available on the Queensland Ag Shows website.
Last month, we said that succession planning isn’t simply about finding the next volunteer. It’s about believing in young people, supporting them and giving them opportunities.
After another incredible Ekka, that message is clearer than ever. The future of our Shows is already here. Our responsibility is to support it.
Justin Rosenberg
Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation
Secretary & South East Queensland Representative
