The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) have officially announced the eight finalists in the 2023 R.M.Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award.

Jed McEvoy from Coonabarabran and Keiley Noble from Narromine are on the list.

The RAS Rural Achiever Award is a state-wide program, established in 1989 that celebrates the achievements of young men and women aged 20-29 years, who are making significant contributions to rural and regional communities.

Yvette McKenzie, Lead Councillor for the program, says the award acknowledges the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of young rural advocates, and provides further opportunities for their professional growth.

“The R.M.Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award is a celebration of young leaders who have devoted their lives to driving rural NSW forward. The program not only honours their achievements, but also helps build a legacy of leadership to encourage and inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps”, Yvette McKenzie said.

“This year’s finalists have all proven themselves as outstanding young ambassadors for rural Australia, achieving excellence within their chosen endeavours and playing an integral role in the development of strong and vibrant regional communities," she said.

ABOVE: Jed McEvoy is the first 2023 RAS Rural Achiever finalist from the Central West. PHOTO: Jed McEvoy.

Jed McEvoy, 23, said he is proud to have been selected to represent Coonabarabran in the RAS program.

"I grew up in town and my parents owned a small block whilst I was growing up. I grew up always helping dad run trucks and other bits and pieces," Mr McEvoy said.

"I love Coonabarabran. It is such a great little town. Over the last year it has been great to see the township picking back up again after what has been some very difficult years with the drought and COVID-19. I feel proud to be able to represent my town and I cannot wait to be involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity," he said.

Mr McEvoy has extensive knowledge and hands on skills in all things agriculture.

After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in plant production. Jed now works as an Agronomist at Pursehouse Rural in Coonabarabran.

"Agriculture provides endless opportunities. I currently operate a mixed operation farm of sheep, cattle and cropping with my family, so that is keeping me busy outside of work," he said.

"Being an Agronomist allows me to tap into all my passions. I hope that by taking part in the RAS program, I can develop my skills and network to better connect rural and remote NSW to metropolitan areas. I hope to utilise new technologies to help provide rural communities with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. I want to get everyone on the same page and bring everyone together," Mr McEvoy said.

Outside of being an Agronomist, Mr McEvoy is the Vice President of the local Rugby Union side the Coonabarabran Kookas Rugby.

"Rugby Union is a huge passion of mine. I love everything about it. I love seeing the whole community get around sport, it brings people together and is a great way for people to socialise after years of hardship," he said.

ABOVE: Keiley Noble is the second 2023 RAS Rural Achiever finalist from the Central West. PHOTO: Keiley Noble.

Keiley Noble, 27, thought about applying for the RAS Rural Achiever program for years.

"I have lived in Narromine for seven years now after living in Dubbo, Gulargambone and Gilgandra before meeting my husband Ross and then later having our first child Ruby. Life just happens and I sort of thought the opportunity was long gone," she said.

"I then decided to apply just to give it a go, I received the call a few days ago and here we are," Mrs Noble said. 

After completing a double degree in Agriculture and Business, Mrs Noble works as a Policy Officer with the NSW Government, working on drought policy and economic strategy.

"I am passionate about making a real difference for the future," she said.

"Participating in this program will allow me the opportunity to grow my personal and professional skills, so I can become the best advocate for regional NSW as well as the agriculture industry.

"The department I work in is about making regional NSW a better place to live, work and prosper. I used my lived experience and degree to help shape local policy outcomes within the drought sector. It is pretty cool to have the opportunity to make a difference for the future," Mrs Noble said.

Mrs Noble is heavily involved within the Narromine community.

Outside of drought policies, running a contracting and hay sales business with her husband and being a marriage celebrant, she also volunteers as a Little Athletics coach, does Park Runs and well as being a long-term member of the Show Sub Committee for the young woman competition. 

Mr McEvoy and Mrs Noble will take on the big smoke at next years Sydney Royal Easter Show from the 6-17 April 2023, where one of the eight Rural Achievers will be announced as the 2023 R.M. Williams RAS Rural achiever and will go on to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador Competition in 2024.