Keiley Noble from Narromine knew about the RM Williams Royal Agricultural Society Awards for several years before actually applying, thinking she didn’t stand a chance in the award as she hadn’t gone down a traditional rural path of growing up on farm. 

The state-wide RAS program which began in 1989, celebrates the achievements of young men and women aged 20-29 years, who are making significant contributions to rural and regional communities. Winners are announced annually at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

“Initially didn’t tell anyone about the application,” she said. “And was stunned when I was named a finalist.” 

In the company of another seven state finalists, Ms Noble was named as the ultimate winner of the award at a dinner during last week’s Easter Show in Sydney and now goes on to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador Competition in 2024. 

Since completing a double degree in agriculture and business, Ms Noble has been using her skills as a Policy Officer with the NSW Government, working on drought policy and economic strategy. In addition she helps husband Ross run a contracting and hay sales business and looks after daughter Ruby on their small farm near Narromine. While her job is based at Dubbo, she also enjoys the flexibility of working from home. 

Growing up in a small rural town, Ms Noble is passionate about regional NSW and the AgShows and hopes to one day become involved in education around agriculture. 

Part of the experience for the eight Rural Achiever finalists is to take part in an extensive eight-day program of events during the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

“That in itself was amazing,” Ms Noble said. “We had a backstage pass to pretty much everything at the show and were provided with business development with the idea to fast track leaders in the ag space.” 

Among other highlights was a share in $17000 prize money, clothing from RM Williams and Akubra and a presentation dinner where Michael Milner, President of RAS presented Ms Noble with her award. 

“Probably the best thing of the whole experience were the networking opportunities and the friendships I made,” she said. “All eight finalists came to the show as strangers but left with new connections between each other and other industry people.” 

Mr Noble said she hopes the fact that she won shows there are opportunities out there for those willing to have a go.