2025 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Finalists

VAS Ltd is excited to introduce our 2025 Rural Ambassador State Finalists as we prepare for the State Final, which will be held next week from Friday 26th September to Saturday 28th September. Follow along next week as we feature the Rural Ambassadors and their State Final Experience.

Annie Marquison representing Central & Upper Goulburn Group & Mansfield Show

Annie currently works for Nutrien Ag Solutions in both Livestock and Merchandise. She grew up in the country & has spent her life surrounded by farming and wouldn’t have it any other way. She has done the hard yards from working on stations, to managing small properties & contract baling over the summers. Annie will always advocate for agriculture, and she comes from a very community orientated family and strives to be involved where she can.

She grew up attending, participating and helping out at local events and shows. Annie is passionate about getting everyone involved in local communities while educating and demonstrating the innovative rural lifestyle. As someone who has seen a lot, she believes Shows have the potential to demonstrate agriculture in a positive way and she would like to see the influence this has on the urban & rural demographic.


Harry Lloyd representing Goulburn Valley Riverina Group & Kyabram Show

Harry was born and raised in Kyabram. The Kyabram A. H. & P. Society has been a major part of his entire life, with his earliest memories spent at the showgrounds alongside his Dad. Over the years, Harry has held a variety of roles within the society and is currently the Junior Vice President and Dairy Cattle Superintendent.

Once graduating Year 12, Harry studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Business and went on to do further study in Regenerative Agriculture. Harry’s farming experience extends beyond his family farm and hometown, including farm-work in rural Victoria and Central Queensland. He has a passion for cattle and hopes to continue building his dairy herd and commence share farming in the near future.


Sheridan Venables representing Gippsland Group & Yarram Show

Sheridan has been involved with the Yarram Agricultural Show for the last 3 years and is currently the youngest committee member. Her roles in previous years at the show have been establishing sponsorship connections, raising over $15,000 dollars in her first year. Sheridan introduced a new innovation the Honey Eater Adventure Trail which was awarded runners up as best innovation award in the small category at the 2025 VAS convention.

Sheridan also worked extremely hard to reintroduce livestock to the show and she brought back the crowd favourite Dog High Jump. Sheridan’s biggest achievement at Yarram show was being elected as Vice President at age 20. She has demonstrated, encouraged and mentored the next generation to ensure they will be the future of Agricultural Shows. She enjoys being a part of their journey as well as sparking their passion for agriculture. Sheridan has represented both Yarram and Pakenham Agricultural Shows at Junior Ambassador State level in past years.


Charlotte Cain representing Midlands Group & Daylesford Show

Charlotte is a sixth-generation farmer from Carisbrook, Victoria, with a lifelong passion for agriculture. Growing up on her family’s farm, she has been actively involved in the sheep industry from an early age, exhibiting Poll Dorset sheep, judging at local shows, and contributing to agricultural committees. Agriculture runs in Charlotte veins, she is currently Secretary of the Central Poll Dorset Region and serves on several industry committees, reflecting her commitment to community and leadership.

After completing an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, a Diploma of Applied Agronomy, and a Certificate IV in Wool Classing at Longerenong College, Charlotte has recently begun her career as a livestock agent with HF Richardson. At just 21, she is eager to deepen her knowledge of the industry, connect with farmers, and continue sharing her passion for agriculture with the wider community.


Eleanor Parry representing Wimmera Group & St Arnaud Show

Eleanor is a musician and music teacher from St Arnaud. Since recently graduating her Master of Teaching (secondary music education), now her main ambition is to create accessibility to quality music education in rural communities. She currently teaches online and travels 1 day a week to rural communities to bridge this gap. Eleanor is also an established artist opening for acts such as Ross Wilson, The Badloves and The Pyrenees Food and Wine Festival.

Eleanor is extremely passionate about the preservation of agriculture and environment, becoming a vocal advocate against the mass roll out of renewables planned for their rural farming community. To raise awareness around the topic she funded, recorded, directed and produced the not-for-profit parody video of the ‘The Big Yellow Taxi’ as well as founding and hosting the ‘Hey Farmer Farmer’ podcast, aimed at interviewing farmers directly impacted. Eleanor is very grateful to be here today representing the St Arnaud Agricultural Show.


Giorgi Boucher representing Northern District Group & Cohuna Show

Giorgi Boucher is a passionate advocate for rural communities and agriculture. Living on her husband's seventh generation family farm in Leitchville, Victoria; she helps run a mixed livestock enterprise while operating her own bookkeeping business as a registered BAS Agent.

Giorgi has been involved with the Cohuna Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society for several years, currently serving as Secretary, where she has introduced new initiatives to strengthen the show's presence and community engagement. Her dedication to youth in agriculture extends beyond Cohuna as she is a member of the Melbourne Royal Emerging Leaders Group, where she advises on youth engagement, and has volunteered for Agfest in Tasmania, furthering her commitment to the next generation of rural leaders. With a lifelong connection to agricultural shows and a drive to create opportunities for others, Giorgi is determined to celebrate tradition while championing innovation in regional communities.


Darcy Gervasoni representing Midlands Group & Clunes Show

Darcy Gervasoni is from Smeaton in Central Victoria, where she was raised on a mixed farming property producing broadacre crops, sheep, and cattle. From a young age, Darcy developed a strong passion for agriculture particularly in livestock. She currently works with Western AG in Ballarat, focusing on animal health and rural merchandise, while continuing to be actively involved on the day to day running of the family farm.

Darcy’s involvement in agricultural shows began when she joined the Clunes Young Farmers at age 16. Since then, she has gained valuable experience and confidence, particularly in public speaking, and has embraced opportunities such as competing in the Australian Young Farmers Challenge at Melbourne Royal in 2024.


Andrew Spierings representing Central & South Gippsland Group & Berwick Show

From a beef cattle property at Nar Nar Goon, Andrew has been involved with showing all his life. His early years were spent in the sheep shed at Pakenham Show, where his family had been involved as volunteers and committee members for many years.

As an adult, Andrew joined the committees of the Bunyip Show and Berwick Show and has been involved their cattle competitions since. He has variously held positions as President and Chief Cattle Steward at both shows and currently chairs the Emerging Leaders Group for Melbourne Royal. He also volunteers as a cattle steward or announcer at the Dandenong, Lang Lang and Warragul shows. Professionally, Andrew practises as a barrister at the Victorian Bar specialising in tax, equity & trusts, deceased estates and general commercial matters.


2026 Saddle Horse Championships Date & Venue Announcement

The Saddle Horse Committee is excited to announce the 2026 Championships will be held on the 3rd & 4th January 2026.

In regards to the venue the committee wanted to keep the event as affordable as possible for competitors as well as central for travel. Multiple venues were considered including venue inspections. The committee have taken the opportunity to present the Championships in a different way as well as holding the first Show Horse Competition at this venue. The Championships will be held at the Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz Street, White Hills.

Unfortunately, there is no stabling or camping at the Racecourse but the Bendigo Showgrounds will be available for stabling and camping as per the usual arrangement. Bookings can be made when entries open. It is an 8 minute drive between the showgrounds & racecourse. Portable stables were considered for the racecourse but this was not going to be an affordable exercise. Exhibitors in the past have made contact with local trainers in the area and have been able to stable horses in their facilities so this might be an option for you to consider.

The racecourse offers a great big watered green surface that will be used for the rings and the parade ring will be used to feature our led events including fashions. Plenty of parking with shade trees is available along with wash down bays and race day stalls will be available.

We understand this is a big change but as mentioned earlier it is exciting to present the championships in a new and exciting way. Our major sponsors have supported the change and are also excited to see the event take place at this venue.

The schedule is being prepared and qualification requirements will be available on the website as of tomorrow.

For those that may not know why we have to relocate the event it is due to the Bendigo Showgrounds undergoing redevelopment at the time of the event. The oval will be redone with the sandtrack removed and the fence will be moved into the permitter of the grass area. The green space as it is now will remain the same size. It will be resurfaced and levelled as the arena has quite a fall on it that some may not notice. With the removal of the track this will open up more space for parking. Stables will not be changed in this redevelopment.

Please note: We ask that comments are made respectfully and ask that any feedback that you may want to provide is provided via email eo@vicagshows.com.au

VAS Ltd Show Awards Launching for 2026

VAS Ltd is proud to announce the VAS Ltd Show Awards was such a success in 2025 that we are grateful for the support from Gallagher Australia to come on board as the sponsor of the 2026 Show Awards!

The success of the Show Awards will continue to grow and VAS looks forward to many more show societies or field days applying.

The criteria for the 2026 Show Awards has been circulated to all societies or it can be viewed by clicking below.

2025 ASA National Finals Results - Victoria wins the 2025 Nationals Keast Shield!

The 2025 ASA National Finals have been held in South Australia at the Royal Adelaide Show and the Victorian Team performed with huge success. All individual performances are featured below and we are so proud of each individual for the way they conducted themselves and represented Victoria.

We are pleased to announce that Victoria was crowned the Keast Shield Winner for the 2025 National Finals. Each National Final is allocated 4 points for 1st Place, 3 points for 2nd Place, 2 points for 3rd Place & 1 point for every other participant in the National Final. The Rural Ambassador is allocated 4 points for the Winner & 2 points for the Runner Up along with 1 point for every other participant in the National Final. The highest state tallied points is then declared the Keast Shield Winner.

Victoria is so proud of our competitors in this years National Finals and admire the way they have represented Victoria. You should be all so proud of yourselves that you are apart of the Keast Shield Winning State!

Congratulations to all the other states on what was such a high calibre of competitors and it just shows that the future is in very good hands.

This is only the second time that Victoria has won the shield so GO VICTORIA!!


Poultry Judging National Final

Congratulations to Josh Hancock on being awarded National Champion in the Poultry Young Judges National Final!

1st – Josh Hancock (VIC)
2nd – Thomas Spencer (WA)
3rd – Bryson Lee (NSW)


Dairy Cattle Parading National Final

Congratulations to Sienna Ross on being awarded National Champion of Dairy Cattle Parading!

1st Place - Sienna Ross (VIC)

2nd Place - William Phillpot (SA)

3rd Place - Patrick English (QLD)


Dairy Cattle Judging National Final

Congratulations to Luke Gardiner on being awarded National Champion of Dairy Cattle Judging!

1st Place - Luke Gardiner (VIC)

2nd Place - William Dudfield (TAS)

3rd Place - Chris Thompson (SA)


Grains Judging National Final

Congratulations to Caitlin Grieve on being awarded National Champion of the Grains Judging!

1st Place - Caitlin Grieve (VIC)

2nd Place - Heather Walker (NSW)

3rd Place - Victoria Clarke (SA)


Beef Cattle Parading National Final

Congratulations to Emily Hann on being a National Finalist in the Beef Cattle Parading!

1st Place - Olivia Baker (SA)

2nd Place - Charlton Skirving (TAS)

3rd Place - Kaitlyn Barber (QLD)


Beef Cattle Judging National Final

Congratulations to Matilda Sullivan on being awarded National Runner Up in the Beef Cattle Judging!

1st Place - Canadian Crowden (TAS)

2nd Place - Matilda Sullivan (VIC)

3rd Place - Alexandra Olive (QLD)


Merino Sheep Judging National Final

Congratulations to Tiffany Maestrale on being awarded National Champion of the Merino Sheep Judging!

1st Place - Tiffany Maestrale (VIC)

2nd Place - Jock Johnson (TAS)

3rd Place - Emi Hughes (SA)


Merino Fleece Judging National Final

Congratulations to Tiffany Maestrale on being a National Finalist in the Merino Fleece Judging!!

1st Place - Olivia Baker (TAS)

2nd Place -Miranda McGuifficke (NSW)

3rd Place - Libby Hardingham (WA)


Meat Sheep Judging National Final

Congratulations to Nerissa James on being a National Finalist in the Meat Breeds Sheep Judging!

1st Place - Miranda McGuifficke (NSW)

2nd Place - Jacob Scales (SA)

3rd Place - Emma Haupt (QLD)


Rural Ambassador National Final

Congratulations to Caitlin Grieve on being a National Finalist in the Rural Ambassador Final!!

Winner - Grace Collins (NSW)
Runner Up - Thea Walker (WA)


Young Farmers Challenge National Final

Congratulations Team Victoria on placing third in the National Finals of the Young Famers Challenge! Well done to Freyja, Tess, Bahlin & Jeremy!

1st Place - SA
2nd Place - QLD
3rd Place - VIC
4th Place - WA
5th Place - NSW


Upcoming 2025 ASA National Finals held at Royal Adelaide Show

Well it is nearly the ASA National Finals and we thought it is time to wish our Victorian competitors the best of luck!

The National Finals kick off on Tuesday until Saturday at the Royal Adelaide Show. So be sure to check back in across the week for the results.

Wishing all our finalists the best of luck! Victoria is very proud of you!

⭐ Josh Hancock - Poultry Judging - Final to be held on Tuesday 2nd September at 2:00pm

⭐ Sienna Ross - Dairy Cattle Parading - Final to be held on Wednesday 3rd September at 12:00pm

⭐Caitlin Grieve - Grain Judging - Final to be held on Wednesday 3rd September at 2:00pm

⭐ Luke Gardiner - Dairy Cattle Judging - Final to be held on Wednesday 3rd September at 4:30pm

⭐ Emily Hann - Beef Cattle Parading - Final to be held on Thursday 4th September at 9:00am

⭐ Matilda Sullivan - Beef Cattle Judging - Final to be held on Thursday 4th September at 11:00am

⭐ Tiffany Maestrale - Merino Sheep Judging - Final to be held on Thursday 4th September at 12:30pm

⭐ Tiffany Maestrale - Merino Fleece Judging - Final to be held on Thursday 4th September at 3:30pm

⭐ Nerissa James - Meat Sheep Judging - Final to be held on Friday 5th September at 9:00am

⭐ Caitlin Grieve - Rural Ambassador - Final to be held on Friday 5th September at 6:00pm

⭐ Nicole Teitge, Tess Runting, Bahlin Wishart, Fraser Cameron - Young Farmers Challenge - Final to be held on Friday 5th September 12:00pm onwards

Warning - Upcoming Show Season Behaviour

Attention to all participants of Victorian Agricultural Shows.

As the Show Season is upon us VAS Ltd would like to advise that unpleasant behaviour of abuse, including social media comments, or any offensive behaviour towards a Show Committee Member, or their Staff, including Volunteers, Judges, & Stewards, will not be tolerated.

Sadly, there has been a range of behaviour by some of our competitors which will no longer be accepted. Penalties or possible suspension of participation at VAS Affiliated Shows may apply or qualifications removed for undisciplined behaviour.

VAS Ltd has a Bullying & Harassment Policy and breach of this policy will be dealt with accordingly by the VAS Ltd Board.

VAS Ltd wants Agricultural Shows to be an enjoyment for all, so enjoy the upcoming Show Season.

Rural Ambassador State Final Presentation Luncheon

This year VAS is holding a separate function at the Riverside Golf & Sports Centre on 28th September to feature our Rural Ambassador State Final, which will include the speeches as part of this Luncheon.

It is a great opportunity to celebrate this year's ambassadors and all family, friends and show enthusiasts are more than welcome to attend.

Bookings close 15th September 2025

Rural Ambassador Information Day

The Rural Ambassador State Final Information Day was held in Bendigo on the 10th August.

We had 7 of our 8 Ambassadors attend and the day was a great success! It was great the ambassadors got to hear the insights from Caitlin Grieve last years 2024 State Final Winner and also get some great feedback on their impromptu speeches they presented on the day!

They also had the opportunity to attend the RB Sellars Bendigo Store to try on their uniform. We thank them again for coming on board to dress our ambassadors! I’m sure they will look great as a group again come September at the Melbourne Royal Show!

Left to Right in the photo: Giorgi Boucher (Northern District Group), Eleanor Parry (Wimmera Group), Darcy Gervasoni (Midlands Group), Sheridan Venables (Gippsland Group), Annie Marquison (Central & Upper Goulburn Group), Charlotte Cain (Midlands Group) & Harry Lloyd (Goulburn Valley Riverina Group). Absent: Andrew Spierings (Central & South Gippsland Group)