Charlotte Varcoe
JAKE Rowe has secured the position of runner up for the 2021 Rural Ambassador state-wide following an extensive process.
Mr Rowe recently attended the 2021 Murray Bridge Show with five other competitors from across the state.
Now, the avid rural show supporter will receive the opportunity to attend the national competition as a spectator during the Sydney Easter show in 2022.
“I was the 2019 Penola Ambassador and we were supposed to go to the Royal Adelaide Show last year however due to Covid-19 restrictions it was cancelled and once again this year,” Mr Rowe said.
“Following this it was decided we would attend the Murray Bridge Show instead where they did a shortened version of what would typically happen.”
Mr Rowe attended the training and interviews in preparation for the awards dinner where he was accompanied by the Penola Agricultural Horticulture and Pastoral Show secretary Kathy Fennell.
“I was really shocked about my placement and never thought I would get that far but it was nice to be recognised for everything I have done leading up to being ambassador,” he said.
“I now get to be a part of a study tour and go to other country shows, learn from them and see what we can implement into our own show.
“These tours are typically an overseas trip however due to travel restrictions we are not sure where we will be going just yet.”
Mr Rowe said through his travels he had already developed ideas for future shows within the region whilst also making and maintaining connections.
Alongside fresh ideas for future events, Mr Rowe said he encouraged younger members within the Penola community to get interested in becoming a part of the show society including positioning as ambassador.
“There are not a lot of younger people getting involved in country shows at the moment and that is something we are wanting to change in the coming years,” he said.
“I have been on the board for up to five years now and it is a lot more rewarding than what I originally imagined.”
Mr Rowe said he planned to continue his work within the show society in coming years and looked forward to hosting a major event once permitted.
