Dylan bids for national award

Dylan Bellchambers’ dedication to agriculture and life on the land has been rewarded with the chance to win the Rural Ambassador Award.

The 27-year-old was the winner of the Tasmanian finals in 2024 and will compete against other young Australians at the Royal Adelaide Show in September for the national honour.

Dylan, an onion field officer for Harvest Moon, serves as the Agfest chairman and is a member of Rural Youth.

The Rural Ambassador Award aims to highlight young people who demonstrate a dedication to primary industries and involvement in agricultural shows.

“The judges want you to have that embodied in your work life, personal life and volunteer life,” Dylan said.

“In Adelaide I’ll have a panel that will interview me as well as a whole heap of forms and information that I’ll get judged on.”

Dylan said he was first exposed to agriculture through his uncle’s property at North Motton.

“I have got a passion for agriculture and making a difference within the industry through Rural Youth and Agfest.

“I’ve got a lot out of it and you get a lot more than you put in; that’s where my fuel for it comes from.”

Dylan said the Campbell Town Show was his favourite agricultural event.

“As the oldest continually running agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, it has a huge history but is relevant and has strong local roots.

“The show atmosphere in general and grand parades are hard to go past but the way they connect with communities, particularly for agricultural communities, is really important and gives them an opportunity to come together where they otherwise may not.”

Dylan said it was a challenge balancing his different roles, especially the responsibility of overseeing the running of Agfest.

“But we have a really supportive team and environment there along with passionate young people who want to deliver.

“It has its challenges on some days but it’s exciting.

“And when you're passionate about it, you find time for it.”