THE Mount Gambier A&H Society celebrated the launch of the 2017 Mount Gambier Spring Show and announced this year’s rural ambassador on Monday evening.
Around 40 people gathered at the showgrounds to enjoy food and light refreshments at the sponsors’ night, which was held in the committee room.
The highlight of the evening was Mount Gambier A & H Society vice president Danielle Tulak announcing that Ollie Abblitt would be the rural ambassador for the Mount Gambier show.
Ollie, 25, a farmhand and dairy herd manager in Glencoe, will represent the Mount Gambier Spring Show at the South Eastern border shows in March next year.
“She is passionate about further developing her skills in agriculture and has recently completed a certificate three and four in agriculture and is currently studying a bachelor at Charles Sturt University,” Ms Tulak said.
“In 2010 she was given her first cow and since then has continued to purchase, breed and show them, even more recently taking on dairy cattle judging.”
Ollie said she was still not sure what the role of rural ambassador will entail, but is excited to embrace the opportunity.
“I only just accepted this a couple of days ago, but I’m on the dairy committee and improving our entry numbers is something I’m really focused on,” she said.
“I really want to improve our youth involvement within our area because I have learnt a lot from the people I’ve been involved with and I would love to share that experience with other young people.”
Mount Gambier A & H Society president Kerry Hill welcomed those in attendance and thanked the sponsors for their ongoing support of the event.
“The show society has again received great support from its many sponsors and the list is extensive,” Ms Hill said.
“We are extremely grateful to them all, whether their contribution is money or goods and services.”
Ms Hill made special mention of Gambier Earth Movers, which is once again supporting the show as the major sponsor for 2017.
While the sponsors are a major factor in the show’s ongoing success, Ms Hill said the event would not be possible without all the volunteers who give their time behind the scenes.
“They have put in many hours throughout the last 12 months to ensure that this event takes place again this year,” she said.
“Our groundsmen have done a fantastic job and our staff in the offices have gone above and beyond again to make this event a success.”
