2026 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Finalists
/Introducing the 2026 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Finalists. The State Final is held in conjunction with the Melbourne Royal Show on the 25th - 27th September with the Presentation Luncheon being held on Sunday 27th September at the Riverside Golf & Sports Centre. Wishing our 7 State Finalists the best of luck in the State Final!
Thank you to our State Final Sponsors for their support of our ambassador program:
Central & South Gippsland Group & Berwick Show – Bridget Leahy
Bridget was born and raised in the South-East suburbs, and she developed her passion for the Agricultural Industry through her high school’s Ag & Hort program. She has been involved with the Berwick Show for 18 years, started as a steward whilst exhibiting with the school’s sheep, progressing onto the sheep sub-committee and now, with her partner Kane, are co-sheep superintendents.
After graduating Year 12, Bridget studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, before moving across the state with her partner to pursue their dream of owning their own farm, as first generation farmers. Now living 3 hours away from the Berwick Show, she continues to help wherever she can, and this year, organised the shows new Discovery Trail, aiming to bridge the growing disconnect between the public and Agriculture. Bridget works for Elders Rural Services and enjoys connecting with the local farming community and continually learning from the farmers and the wider industry.
Central & Upper Goulburn Group & Sunbury Show – Kate McIntosh
Kate works at Salesian College Sunbury, where she leads the same livestock programs that shaped her own agricultural journey. Her role brings together agricultural education, student mentoring, livestock management and program coordination. She supports students to build their confidence and skills while representing the College. Kate also helps students understand that agriculture extends far beyond farming, encouraging them to explore careers suited to their strengths and interests.
Alongside her work, Kate is completing a Master of Teaching and is passionate about motivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. She serves on the Sunbury Agricultural Show committee, coordinating the cattle section and establishing the Young Farmers Challenge. She also assists with the cattle section at the Yea Show and is working to develop beef cattle education days at the Melbourne Royal Show and Ballarat Show. Kate is dedicated to inspiring young people and creating pathways for meaningful involvement in agriculture.
Gippsland Group & Sale Show – Abbey Walsh
Abbey is a beef producer, agricultural advocate and proud Gippsland local from Boisdale. She is passionate about her community and loves being involved in the organisations and events that bring people together, such as the CFA and local Agricultural Societies. Agricultural shows have been part of Abbey’s life since childhood, and today she gives back through the Sale Agricultural Society. At Sale, she is Head Steward of the Tiny Tots and Junior Quests Competition, alongside several other volunteer roles. She enjoys helping create welcoming, educational and memorable show experiences, particularly for young people.
Abbey owns and operates Aisling Beef, where her goal is to continue expanding her herd and producing high-quality cattle. She is also a Meat & Livestock Australia Red Meat Ambassador, sharing honest and positive stories about Australian farming. Abbey values service, teamwork, community spirit and giving back to the rural communities that have given her so much.
Goulburn Valley Riverina Group & Numurkah Show – Lachlan Andrew
Lachlan is a Food Technology teacher at Numurkah Secondary College and is a passionate advocate for rural communities, agriculture and education. Raised on a dairy farm in Numurkah, Lachlan has developed a lifelong connection to the local community and the Numurkah Show Society. His family have a long standing history of showing dairy cattle, fostering a strong appreciation for the role of agricultural shows and how they uphold and celebrate the importance of primary industries, community spirit and rural tradition.
Lachlan is currently undertaking the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program, further developing his leadership capabilities and strengthening his engagement with the broader region. Through his experience, he aims to contribute to the future of rural communities and inspire the next generation to appreciate and participate in regional living.
Midlands Group & Beaufort Show – James Troup
James is a Victorian agricultural professional with a career spanning across broadacre farming, grain procurement, logistics and agricultural machinery across Australia and Canada. With more than eight years of hands-on industry experience, James has worked across some of Australia’s large-scale cropping operations while also gaining international experience in Canadian grain farming.
Today, James works in grain procurement and logistics, sourcing around 100,000 tonnes of grain annually for an operation supporting oat milling, stockfeed and pulse processing. His role places him at the intersection of growers, grain markets, transport and processing, giving him a broad perspective across the agricultural supply chain. Passionate about modern farming, agricultural technology and the people behind the industry, James combines practical farming knowledge with formal qualifications in farm management and agribusiness. He is known for his practical approach, strong industry relationships and commitment to the future of Australian agriculture.
North Eastern Group & Yarrawonga Show – McKayla Peterson
McKayla is a 24-year-old from the North Eastern Group who is passionate about her community and local agricultural shows. She works at the Yarrawonga Hotel as a bartender and waitress, a role she has held for over a year and a half, while also being a dedicated full time mum to her three-year-old daughter, Codi.
McKayla has been Secretary of the Tungamah Lions Club for four years and recently became involved with the Yarrawonga & Border Agricultural & Pastoral Association. Through these roles, she enjoys contributing new ideas, building connections and supporting her local community. Her qualifications include Year 12 VCAL, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, Certificate II in Health and Community Services, RSA, RCG and RCGA. She also previously worked as an administrative assistant at Swinburne University. McKayla is also a proud homeowner and is looking forward to marrying her partner in November.
South Western Group & Port Fairy Show – Alanna Hansford
Alanna is a passionate young agricultural professional with a lifelong connection to agricultural shows and rural communities. Growing up involved with the Port Fairy Show Society has shaped her appreciation for the role agricultural shows play in connecting communities, celebrating rural life and promoting agriculture.
Alanna holds an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, Diploma of Applied Agronomy and Certificate IV in Agriculture. Her practical career has taken her across dairy, beef, sheep, feedlot and mixed farming enterprises throughout Australia and Ireland. As a 2025 BBM Global Footprints Scholar, Alanna spent three months in Ireland early 2026, expanding her knowledge of international agriculture, sustainability and rural communities. Representing the south west region as a Rural Ambassador, Alanna is enthusiastic about encouraging young people to become involved in agricultural shows and rural communities, advocating for women in agriculture and contributing to a strong and sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
