Victorian Rural Ambassador Award 2014

2014 Rural Ambassador Awards runner-up Stephanie Muir and State winner Melissa Neal at the Royal Melbourne Show. Photo from RASV.

Melissa Neal of Bendigo was announced as the 2014 Rural Ambassador Award State winner, representing the Central & Upper Goulburn Group, selected from 10 Victorian finalists.

The Victorian Agricultural Shows program, sponsored by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), recognises young people who contribute to rural and regional areas with a particular emphasis on their involvement in their local show society.

“The Rural Ambassador Award is a great way to build confidence and give back to organisations that have taught me a great deal”.

Working as a Red Meat Industry development officer at the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) in Bendigo, Melissa is passionate about incorporating research into industry practice and delivers educational activities to beef and sheep producers and supply chains.

Beyond her career, Melissa continues to communicate research through agricultural shows, co-ordinating commercial and educational focused events such as the Royal Melbourne Show Beef Carcase Competition and is actively involved in agricultural and youth organisations including the RASV Agrifood Advisory Group, Bendigo Show Council and Angus Youth RoundUp.

The State final selection process asked finalists to complete a three-minute public speaking presentation, written submissions and a 30-minute panel interview.

Finalists were assessed on their communication and leadership qualities, and level of involvement, or readiness to become actively involved in their local agricultural show and community.

Rural Ambassador Runner Up

Stephanie Muir

The runner-up was also announced with the title going to Stephanie Muir of Warrnambool Show Society from Hawkesdale.

Representing the South Western Group, Stephanie grew up in the Yarra Valley with her interest in animal agriculture, sparked by a school agriculture program.

Stephanie completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) and a PhD at the University of Melbourne and currently works as a research scientist with DEPI, at both Warrnambool and Hamilton, working primarily on effects of alternative forages on animal production.

Stephanie’s involvement with agricultural shows started as a teenager, breeding and exhibiting Belted Galloway cattle at local and royal shows.

She has been involved with Warrnambool Agricultural Society since moving to the south west in 2012, and this year is vice-president and chief dairy steward.

Stephanie is keen to work with schools to encourage students to undertake higher education in agriculture and promote the diversity of career options available in the agricultural industries.

State finalists were hosted at the Royal Melbourne Show today by the RASV as part of the awards.

Sponsors

Thank you for your generous support of the Victorian Rural Ambassador Award

VAS – Victorian Agricultural Societies Ltd

RASV – Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria

RB Sellars – Country Clothing from Outback to Ocean

JLT– Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) provides of insurance for many Victorian Shows through VAS Ltd