RAS Rural Achiever Award

Applications for the 2014 RAS Rural Achiever Award will open in August 2013.

The RAS Rural Achiever Award is a state-wide leadership program run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to recognise future young leaders who are working hard to make a significant contribution to their local community and to rural Australia.

In its 24th year, the RAS Rural Achiever Award continues to offer opportunities to the new generation of agriculture for personal development and the chance to make great contacts and network with agricultural industry leaders. However, the program has so much potential to grow and further foster young leaders in agriculture.

What’s in it for you?

As well as the opportunity for personal development, and the chance to make great contacts and network with industry leaders, the eight chosen finalists all receive:

• A share in $17,000 prize money, kindly provided by The Land and the RAS of NSW
• An all expenses paid, behind the scenes experience at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
• Nine days accommodation at Sydney Olympic Park
• 12 Month complimentary RAS membership
• Opportunity to be selected for the Woolworths Agricultural Business Scholarship Program
• Official Rural Achiever Uniform and Akubra Hat

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it....

"Having attended and competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show since I could walk, I thought I had seen everything the show had to offer. However, the Rural Achiever program opened my eyes to numerous aspects of the show, many of which I did not know even existed. From being a Rural Achiever I experienced unique opportunities, developed life-long friendships and networked with like-minded people in the agricultural industry. If you have the slightest interest in agriculture, or the country show movement, become a Rural Achiever. You never know where it may take you."

Prue Capp (2012 RAS Rural Achiever)

"Where do we start with how wonderful the Rural Achievers program is? You see I went to Sydney Show as a Rural Achiever to compete in a fun rewarding competition. 2 hours after I had arrived I had forgotten that I was there in a competition. You see the Rural Achiever program isn’t about winning and losing, it’s about creating life long friends and bonds with like-minded people. Words wouldn’t give this phenomenally rewarding experience justice. All I can say if you have a slight interest in rural affairs, love the show movement become a RAS Rural Achiever. Trust me it’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made and something you’ll never forget."

Tim Dreverman (2011 RAS Rural Achiever)

"The Rural Achiever program exceeded all of my expectations. I went to the Sydney Royal Easter Show as a Rural Achiever to learn about stewarding and how the Show works, but in doing so I also gained great friends and a wonderful experience. One of the real highlights for me was meeting the Governor of NSW, her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir at the Excellence in Agriculture Day and realising just how big a role youth and women play in agricultural development and education. I would encourage anyone interested in making a positive and tangible contribution to agriculture or rural communities to get involved in Rural Achiever. It really is the experience of a lifetime - I didn't want my time at the Show to end!"

Ruth Redfern, Narrabri (2010 RAS Rural Achiever)

“The award is a chance to challenge yourself and came out of the experience with better public speaking skills, great memories and with more doors open for career networking."

Tim Stivens, Junee (2009 RAS Rural Achiever)