Standing tall on rural issues

Showbags were not the only souvenir Waroona resident Mackenzie Walmsley took home from the Perth Royal Show.

The town planner was named the State Rural Ambassador for 2019 and was presented with her award at the Royal Agricultural Society awards dinner on Sunday, September 29.

Working for the Town of Cambridge in Perth, Ms Walmsley said she enjoyed spending her weekends at home on the farm in Waroona.

“I spend Monday to Friday in Perth then head home on the weekends,” she said.

“I’m not much of a city person, I try my best, but my roots will always be in Waroona.”

With her new rural ambassador title, Ms Walmsley hopes to improve education about the agricultural industry.

“I’m not your typical rural ambassador,” she said.

“In this new role I’m hoping to educate people on the importance of protecting our agricultural lands from urban sprawl and urban development.

“I know that sounds crazy coming from a town planner, but I think having been on the other side and knowing about the regulations in place will help me achieve this.”

With her new title, Ms Walmsley said she was excited to see what the future brings.

“The program keeps me engaged and I am constantly learning,” she said. “I want to look back and think I’ve done lots of different things.

“I’d love to one day work at Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and I think this rural ambassador competition can open up so many doors for me.

“I am honoured to have been named the State Rural Ambassador and am really looking forward to see what is going to happen in the next year.”

Ms Walmsley will be sporting her blue sash at this year’s Waroona Show where she will take on a new role as chief hall steward for the children’s section.

“This year I am introducing a new science and technology area sponsored by the Peel Bright Minds organisation.

“There has been a lot of chat around climate change and water shortage and I thought this would be a good avenue teach children about it in a fun, interactive way.”