Ambassador Jacob wins way to states
Jacob Donnellon, of Donald, is the 2024 Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association junior show ambassador.
Representatives from nine Wimmera agriculture and pastoral societies gathered at Dimboola Recreation Reserve for a showcase of five junior show ambassadors.
Bailee White, of Nhill; Lucinda Smith, of Goroke; Jessica Cassar, of Kaniva; and Amber Nuske, of Warracknabeal were the other finalists.
Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association secretary Andrea Cross said the group-level gala dinner involved an afternoon judging process for the finalists before a presentation in the evening.
“It would have been hard for the judges to choose a winner as all of the ambassadors were committed and productive in their own shows,” she said.
“The winner, Jacob, raised more than $20,000 in sponsorship for the Donald Show, which is an enormous amount and an outstanding contribution to a country show.
“He showed many other qualities complimentary of a volunteer as well.
“The judges were impressed by the quality of candidates.”
Mrs Cross said Jacob would represent the Wimmera at the Victorian Agricultural Show annual convention in June at Kaniva.
“To host the state conference in Kaniva is another local win,” she said.
Louise Hobbs, of Kaniva, is the Victorian Rural Show Ambassador and she was master of ceremonies for the event.
Mrs Cross said Miss Hobbs was currently preparing for national judging later this year.
She said last year’s runner-up state junior ambassador, Bart Turgoose of Horsham, was on the judging panel.
“To have previous winners on the judging panels gives credence to their win as we can continue to support them and showcase their skills at a judging level, and they have also been through the experience themselves,” she said.
Wimmera-based chef and teacher Cat Clarke was guest speaker at the event and showcased how she uses locally-grown produce in her catering and teaching.
The gala was also an opportunity to announce the winners of Wimmera crop competitions.
The northern Wimmera winner was Roger and Tracey Smith and the southern Wimmera winner was Cliff Allen, of Goroke.