Naracoorte station hand crowned best in SA

“LIVING and working in rural areas is a really fulfilling lifestyle. I know that what I do matters and that it has an impact, especially when you live in a small community. I really like the fact that I am able to do good and create change.”

That is how 19-year-old station hand and volunteer from the South East Shayla Lepse has responded to being named the 2025 South Australia Young Rural Ambassador.

Shayla received the award at the SA Country Shows Youth Presentation Night earlier this month, while representing the Naracoorte Show.

The Konetta Station hand, from Greenways, has been actively involved with country, state and youth shows since 2019, including as the 2025 Lucindale Show President.

The Young Rural Ambassador Award, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), has been run by SA Country Shows for 25 years.

The award recognises the contribution young adults in rural and regional South Australia make to agricultural shows. It also acknowledges the importance of strong youth participation to the agricultural show movement.

South Australian Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the award honours the emerging leaders who are deeply committed to agricultural industries and the Agricultural Show movement.

“Young people are the future of our agricultural industries, which are crucial to our regions, and are significant contributors to our economy,” Minister Scriven said. “We are proud to support these emerging young leaders. Our regional communities and industries are indeed looking bright.”

The awards have become a valuable succession process for South Australia’s country shows with entrants often assuming leadership roles within their respective show societies, communities and within agricultural industries.

SA Country Shows youth competitions coordinator Jacqueline Francis said it was an honour meeting and working with the incredible entrants from across the state, each bringing unique skills, fresh ideas, and a deep commitment to their communities.

“It’s inspiring to see these young ambassadors build lasting connections with like-minded peers, growing a network that will support their future leadership journeys both within their shows and far beyond,” she said.

“I’m excited to follow the achievements of this year’s finalists and am especially looking forward to working alongside our 2025 State Young Rural Ambassador Shayla Lepse as she embarks on this exciting next chapter. There’s no doubt she will make a meaningful contribution throughout the year ahead.”