THE FIRST four months of their reign as Canungra Show and Rural Ambassadors has seen our five ladies participate in a whirlwind of experiences.
Starting with the exciting announcement of the winners and runners up of the Junior Canungra Show Ambassador, the Senior Canungra Show Ambassador and the Canungra Rural Ambassador at the O’Reilly’s Canungra Vineyard in June.
This was followed closely by their first ‘official’ engagement at the Canungra Rodeo in July.
August saw the team represent the Canungra Show Society at our family friendly Canungra Show including presenting winners with their prizes; Shale Sutherland Canungra Rural Ambassador adorned the cattle with ribbons, Lorelai Luna was interviewed over the loud speaker and did an amazing job, Sophie Moona presented the winning dogs at the Dog Show with bags of dog food and Amber Stephenson was, as always, the right hand to the Show committee before, during and after the whole event.
The official opening was attended by representatives of local and State Government and Queensland Agricultural Shows General Manager Trevor Beckingham and Administration Manager Carol Cahill officially opened proceedings.
Shale gave a rousing speech and thanked the Society for the opportunity to represent them throughout the year.
An invitation by Tim Andrews, Beaudesert Show Ambassador Coordinator from the Beaudesert Show Society, to attend their show in September and buddy up with their current Show Girl and Ambassadors was an unexpected pleasure.
Tim made the girls feel welcome and valued as he escorted them around the show exhibits and vendors.
Meeting their Beaudesert Show cousins cemented the reality that once a Show Ambassador, always a Show Ambassador and they are forming friendships for life.
A number of weather events put paid to a scheduled visit to Aquis but in October they managed to slot in a postponed visit to Simone Jelly’s Pretty Produce Flower Farm.
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
Simone’s hospitality was only surpassed by her educational and inspirational chat with the Ambassadors.
They roamed the fields of beautiful blooms, took loads of selfies and photos, asked questions and learned quite a bit about her business, ethics, sustainable practices and vision for the future.
They were then invited into the inner sanctum (Simone’s workshop) where she transforms pretty flowers into edible works of art.
Next month they are off to Summerland Camels for a visit and will take on some official roles at the National Rodeo Association Finals held in our very own Canungra Showgrounds.
If you know a young person who is interested in becoming the 2025 Canungra Junior Show Ambassador (10 to 12 years), Canungra Senior Show Ambassador (13 to 19 years) or the Canungra Rural Ambassador (20 – 30 years), email Canungra Show Ambassador Coordinator, Julia Schafer, canungraruralambassador@gmail.com.
