Murray Bridge High School teacher wins rural ambassador award
Kayla Starkey has been announced as SA's Rural Ambassador of the Year through her contributions to Mount Pleasant Show.
Murray Bridge High School teacher Kayla Starkey has been announced as the South Australian 2024 Rural Ambassador of the Year.
Representing the Mount Pleasant Show, Ms Starkey won the prestigious title at the Royal Adelaide Show on Tuesday night.
The award highlights the importance of youth in rural South Australia and shines a light on dedication to local show and agricultural show movement.
As an agricultural science teacher, she is passionate about educating the younger generation.
"I am humble and beyond grateful," she said.
"I would like to thank my local show, Mount Pleasant, and association, Central Districts, for allowing me to represent our district.
"I look forward to representing South Australia over the next 12 months ... sharing my passion for educating others about food and fibre production."
Ms Starkey has shown dedication to her local community though volunteering as chairperson of Mount Pleasant Community Association and president of the Mount Pleasant Tennis Club.
She also helps run her family's fifth generation property in the Mount Pleasant area, while still finding time to convene and steward at multiple country shows in her area, in sheep, wool and cookery.
As the winner of the state final, Ms Starkey will represent South Australia at the National Rural Ambassador Award final next year.
Jacqueline Francis, from SA Country Shows, said the group of finalists this year had blown her away.
"They are all talented in their own way and our judging panel did not have an easy time making a decision," she said.
"I am sure that their shows, associations, and communities are proud of their efforts, and they are lucky to be able to claim these ambassadors as their own."
The program has been running for 25 years and has made a significant impact on young people in rural communities.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said regional communities and industries contributed $36.74 billion to the South Australian economy.
"Congratulations to Kayla ... and all the finalists in this year’s award, I have no doubt they will continue to forge exciting paths into the future," she said.
