"I just can’t imagine anything that I've achieved or done without having that Rural Ambassadorship now. So just lean into it, take it up, soak it up.”

Taryn Mangelsdorf is originally from the Riverland. She was introduced to the Rural Ambassador Award when she was 13 years old when Peter Angus, who was the National Ambassador Award Winner at the time was a guest at her parents’ home during the Loxton Show.

That visit obviously made an impact because fast forward 11 years, Taryn entered the Award in 2010 and became the state runner up.

Since then, she’s been involved with Boards on state and national levels, played an integral role in forming the Next Generation Group for the Ambassador Alumni and continues to be a passionate advocate for country shows, rural youth and ensuring rural ambassadors continue to represent the Riverland and Mallee.

Firstly, let’s go back to where it all began, back to her roots to find out where this drive and passion stems from. Enjoy the journey with Taryn.

ABOUT THE RURAL AMBASSADOR AWARD

The Rural Ambassador Award program has been running for 24 years giving young people a pathway to develop their leadership skills and networks and grow their knowledge with a total of 23 past state winners, many still living and working in their rural communities.

The Rural Ambassador Award is open to people aged between 20 and 30 years of age who live in rural SA and they are encouraged to have links with a country show, no matter how big or small their involvement is. Entrants can be from a variety of backgrounds – primary industries, education, health, and service industries.

This podcast is proudly supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA, a major sponsor of the Young Rural Ambassador Award and Rural Ambassador Awards.

Links:

PIRSA: https://pir.sa.gov.au/

SA Country Shows: https://www.sacountryshows.com/sa-country-shows/

Agricultural Teachers Association of SA: https://atasa.tidyhq.com/