[PRESS RELEASE] Australia's newest National Rural Ambassador crowned at the 150th Ekka

Australia's next generation of rural leaders has a new face, with Elliott Apel, 28, of Gin Gin, Queensland, named the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Rural Ambassador at the 150th Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). Runner-up was Harry Lloyd of Kyabram, Victoria.

Apel grew up in the cattle industry and now works in the trading and risk management team at Queensland Sugar Limited, forward selling sugar and working with growers. He was first encouraged onto the Rural Ambassador pathway by the Gin Gin Show community, going on to win the Queensland title before taking out the national crown.

"The 2026 cohort was absolutely phenomenal, so to be named the winner amongst such a special, high achieving group, I couldn't be prouder," Apel said.

"The message is pretty simple for the next generation: we are ready to take agriculture into the future. We're not future leaders, we are the leaders of today, and we are going to grow and grow and grow and take our fantastic industry into the future."

"A big shout out to everybody back home in Gin Gin, everybody at the Gin Gin Show community. They are the ones that started me on this rural ambassador journey — it was the Gin Gin community that tapped me on the shoulder back in 2025, which set me on this path. I didn't know what opportunities were going to come my way, so it has exceeded every single one of my expectations, and I'm so thankful to everybody that supported me on this journey," he said.

Lloyd, who grew up around the Kyabram Showgrounds and has been part of the show's organising team since he was 18, took out the Victorian title before progressing to nationals.

"If I had to give some advice to young people in agriculture, I would say give it a crack but don't overwhelm yourself. I think far too many times I've seen so many young people that are full of motivation and want to do amazing and incredible things, but they try and do everything all at once. The key to being successful is doing it one thing at a time, mastering that, and then moving on to the next thing," Lloyd, who works on a dairy and has his own livestock trading business, said.

Sponsor R.M. Williams congratulated Elliott and Harry on the night of the announcement.

"R.M Williams is proud to continue our support of the National Rural Ambassador Award for a second year. Our connection to regional Australia, agriculture and the communities that make this country so unique is at the heart of who we are. We are proud to support these young leaders and the contribution they make to strengthening the communities they call home,"  Terry Goodear, Head of Heartland at R.M. Williams said.

Outgoing 2025 National Rural Ambassador Grace Collins, from Turramurra, NSW, officially handed over the title after spending the past year representing Agricultural Shows Australia across the country.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year as the 2025 National Rural Ambassador. This opportunity has given me unforgettable experiences that have shaped both my career and character. The 2026 cohort are exceptional advocates for regional communities and share a passion for giving back. Each has a diverse story to share but are all equally sophisticated advocates for regional communities and share a passion for giving back."

The National Rural Ambassador Award recognises young leaders aged 20-30 who are making a positive contribution to agriculture, regional communities and the agricultural show movement. Finalists earn their place through local, regional and state competitions before progressing to the national finals.

Agricultural Shows Australia Chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith said the prestigious award, now in its 25th year, has become an important platform for recognising the next generation of rural leaders.

"The competition evaluates communication skills, passion for agriculture and rural and regional communities, community initiative and general knowledge, with finalists coming from diverse careers including teaching, medicine, farming, law and engineering," she said.

"This award isn't just about individual achievement; it's about identifying and elevating tomorrow's rural leaders who will shape the future of agricultural shows and regional Australia," Wilson-Smith said.

Previous winners: 

• 2025 Grace Collins, NSW
• 2024 Lachlan Johnson, SA
• 2023 Reece Jerrett, WA
• 2022 Dione Howard, NSW
• 2021 Karl Milde, SA.

More information https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/national-rural-ambassador/

Media contact: Katie Stanley, Executive Officer, Agricultural Shows Australia, execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au