A love of agriculture and community has led to one of Nyngan's active, young residents being nominated for a state award.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has announced eight Inspiring and ambitious youth leaders from across the state as finalists in the 2024 RAS Rural Achiever Award.

One of these young women is Nyngan's Rebecca George.

Ms George returned home to Nyngan in 2018 after moving away for boarding school and university studies. Since her return to Nyngan she has developed a passion for agriculture and the community. Ms George volunteers for several community groups including having roles with the Nyngan Show Committee.

Ms George has a long history with the Nyngan Show.

She was named as Showgirl (now Young Woman Competition) in 2018 and has been involved with the committee ever since - currently acting as Chief Steward for the competition she won five years ago, as well as a delegate.

At the time of her Showgirl win, Ms George said the experience had made her more aware of local, national and international issues, and created a drive to expand within agriculture in order to give back to community members who have always supported the Showgirl movement. Ms George's ongoing commitment to country shows and community in general has certainly paid off with this latest accolade.

"I was so excited to be given an interview in the 2024 RAS Rural Achiever Award," Ms George said. "But I was even more thrilled to be named a finalist and to share the news with the Nyngan Show Committee."

"My family has about 20000 acres north of Nyngan," Ms George said. "I had done a criminology degree at uni but when I moved back it was the middle of the drought and I guess my priorities just changed. I was feeding sheep seven days a week for a long time and helping my parents with the farm bookwork as well. Now it is my full time job and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Yvette McKenzie, RAS Lead Councillor for the RAS program, says being selected as a Rural Achiever finalist provides an incredible opportunity for future agricultural leaders to further develop their skills and grow their personal and professional network.

“The RAS Rural Achiever Award is designed to reward young rural advocates for their hard work, passion and contributions to rural NSW, while also providing a platform for professional development and enhanced leadership skills”, Ms McKenzie said.

“This year’s finalists have already demonstrated excellence within their local communities and proven themselves as exceptional rural ambassadors. We have no doubt that the Rural Achiever program will help to transform them into powerful voices for rural and regional Australia, while hopefully inspiring an even younger generation to follow in their footsteps.”

As part of the finalist program, RAS Rural Achiever finalists will receive an 8-day, behind the scenes experience at the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show, as well as a share in $17,000 prize money, a complimentary 1-year RAS Membership, and an official Rural Achiever uniform provided by R.M. Williams and Akubra.

Ms George said she is looking forward to it as a great chance to learn and network with similar people.

"It is going to be a fantastic experience, I'm passionate about my local community and what I learn at the show can only be helpful. The networking experiences will be amazing," she said.

One of the eight Rural Achiever finalists will be announced as the 2024 RAS Rural Achiever at the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show and will go on to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador Competition in 2025.