Outstanding Individual Contribution 25 - 39 Years Category Finalists

William Francis

William has been a member of the Society since 2018 and has immersed himself across many roles contributing to the success of the show from year to year. He contributes his time and efforts across the board including the agricultural produce section steward, helps at working bees for the livestock sections, young farmers challenge assistant steward, assists with the set up of the Kid Zone, Vice President of the Steam & Oil and has been the instigator of the Bendigo Agricultural Show Baking Showdown as well as the interactive Live Crop Display. He is also the society representative on the OH&S Committee for VAS and he is across multiple committees for the show society including program, project, livestock & parking.

William’s enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in on any task large or small has made him an integral part of the society and this shows in the commitment he has shown to growing crops for display for most of the year, so they are blooming in time for the show. He also started the Bendigo Agricultural Show Baking Showdown, which now showcases commercial bakers/bakeries across the state and this event is set to grow from year to year. His dedication and extensive involvement has such a positive impact on the society.

Jasmine Edwards

Jasmine has been involved in the show since 2014 as the Camperdown Show Chief Horse Steward. This role has encompassed a 2-day horse show as well as a summer horse show each year. She has been successful in getting a grant for 2 dressage arenas, which now supports a growing dressage competition on show day, which has continued to have increased entries. Her networking skills are to be admired as she is able to make great connections with volunteers and sponsors, and she has been able to coordinate volunteers to invigorate the Show Jumping Section again.

Jasmine has since taken on the role as Show Secretary for the last three years and is also the South Western Group Secretary since 2022. She has developed her event management skills over time and now uses a wide range of resources to produce sponsorship packages, show posters, show schedules and being able to engage new and exciting activities for the show. She is actively looking for new ideas and Jasmine is one of the few Victorians to have attended all 3 ASA Conferences. Her commitment is to be admired as she has a young family who are practically apart of the Camperdown Showgrounds as well and she continues to have a positive can do attitude in anything she does for the Camperdown Show.

Tess Runting

Tess has been involved with the show since 2013 and is the head steward of the Sheep Section, which her first task was to get the section running again after the show was relocated to the PB Ronald Reserve, which had no infrastructure for a sheep section. The Sheep Section has been successful ever since and over the years she has acquired sponsorship, grant funding as well as make the Sheep Section a highlight for attendees.

Tess has represented the Pakenham Show in both the Junior & Rural Ambassador at State Level and has been a mentor to many of her students in the way they conduct themselves at shows but also investing in their knowledge and teaching them the skills to be able to prepare and present their animal on show day. Tess is also involved in other shows within the area and has assisted with the running of their Sheep Section as well. She is always willing to have a go and is not afraid of hard work but she always does it with a smile. Tess has had an immense impact on the show and she really strives for what she believes in.