A huge congratulations to Kayla Starkey from Bel-Antha Polwarths who won the State Final of the South Australian Country Shows, 2024 Rural Ambassador Award.
Kayla’s journey started when she was selected by her local Mt Pleasant Show and then the Central Districts Shows Association as a 2024 Rural Ambassador State Finalist.
The State Final was held during the Royal Adelaide Show where seven State Ambassador finalists participated in a public speaking workshop and spent three days at the show participating in behind-the-scenes experiences and tours. On Tuesday 2nd September each ambassador had a panel interview before attending the final stage of judging at the Annual Awards Dinner where they were interviewed again.
After the rains at the Murray Bridge Show
Since winning the State Final in early September, Kayla has spent her weekends attending many of the local spring shows. She managed to attend 14 shows from Bordertown to Kimba, clocking up 5300km. Kayla said the trips were eye opening. She particularly noticed the work of volunteers who were key to the success of their local shows and wider community.
Kayla won the 'Celebrity Cake Decorator' at the Naracoorte Show
The magnificent backdrop of Mt Remarkable at the Melrose Show
Kayla said she has made some amazing connections and friendships as part of the rural ambassador program. In 2025, she is looking forward to the Autumn Show season and will then represent South Australia in the National Agricultural Shows Australia Championships at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2025.
Kayla was called on to judge the scarecrow competition at the Naracoorte Show
