Tough call for Sam

LONGWARRY’S Sam-antha Richardson had to compete against 10 other entrants in Melbourne in her effort to become Victoria’s Rural Ambassador.
Ms Richardson, 22, from the Pakenham Agriculture and Horticulture Show Society, faced the judges from 17 to 19 September and attended the Royal Melbourne Show every day as a guest.
She did not win but said she would recommend anyone aged 18 to 29 to enter next year’s Rural Ambassador Scheme through their local show.
Before advancing to the statewide competition she won the Rural Ambassador Award at the Pakenham Show and the districts title at Leongatha.
She first competed at the Royal Melbourne Show at the age of two and has since competed in many royal shows throughout Australia.
She juggles riding with education, as she is studying criminal justice with a minor in psychology at Monash University. She will begin studies for a Diploma of Education next year.
Dressed in a Harry Who lime green dress, Ms Richardson stepped into the spotlight at a dinner for the entrants on Saturday, when she spoke about the CWA’s involvement and relevance in Australia.
The winner of the Rural Ambassador Award was Lauren Mathers from Barham/Koondrook Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society Inc. Runner-up was Heidi Knowles from the Port Fairy Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society Inc.