Page 9 - The Outdoor Showman APR-JUN 2020

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Show members under 50 were “a rare breed” when the Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Committee formed in 2009, according to Past President, Rowan O’Hara.
Eleven years on and the group has evolved, raising the profile of young people involved in the show movement and making it more accessible for others to join.
“It was about highlighting that there were young people involved in their show societies and providing a platform for them to connect and share ideas and experiences,” Rowan said.
The Queensland Ag Shows youth steering group comprises up to 11 members with the mission to “provide education, share best practices, increase motivation and enable networking opportunities for youth involved within the Queensland show movement, as well as provide assistance to the broader Queensland show organisation”.
Current president Brianna Hockey said the 2019 committee; Kait Murphy (Vice President), Clare Webster (Secretary), Cheneya Vetter (Treasurer), Adam Tokely, Michaela Kammholz, Emma Boughen, Jack Murphy, Georgina Bayly and Nathan Trace, was passionate about agricultural shows and continuing their legacy in their local communities.
“They each attend their local shows, sub- chamber finals and actively support the Queensland Ag Shows board by attending general meetings and assisting with state finals at the Ekka to learn from experienced stewards,” she said.
“Our committee identifies opportunities to strategically support show societies, and promote the sharing of resources and knowledge.”
In 2019 Next Gen hosted the first Rural Leaders Networking Luncheon at the Ekka with both the Miss Showgirl and Rural Ambassador state finalists.
“Next Generation believes strongly in the development of networks and resources to connect young people throughout the state and country,” Brianna said.
“The Rural Leaders Networking Luncheon provided a valuable networking opportunity and a platform for the state finalists to learn about what Next Gen does. We hope to continue this initiative next year to encourage these young people to continue with their respective shows and promote the expansion of the Next Gen network.”
Hitting the ground running
In the group’s first newsletter in November 2009, Past Queensland Ag Shows CEO, Mark Bryant described the group as providing “a clear and defined way ahead”.
“The next generation of Australians who are passionate about agricultural shows are ready and willing to take the reins and lead the show movement into the future,” he said.
Immediate Past President, Kerri Robertson said the self-funded committee immediately set to work visiting as many shows as possible to meet, support and network with young members.
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