Raised on a Numurkah dairy farm, Lachy has been involved in local shows for as long as he can remember ‒ exhibiting stock, competing in cooking sections and, more recently, volunteering alongside show committees across the region.
He said being named Rural Ambassador was an extension of a passion he has carried throughout his life.
“I’ve kind of always participated at the show,” Mr Andrews said.
“Now I’m working at the school, I’ve got more flexible hours and can really commit —going to meetings and being part of the committee.”
Lachy was awarded the title following a judging process that included a formal interview with a panel of judges and a prepared speech on the future of agricultural shows in a changing society.
He said the experience was challenging but rewarding, sparking discussion around the pressures facing shows today.
“One of the biggest issues facing agricultural shows is volunteer fatigue — they’re volunteer‑run, and it’s about getting new members and retaining them,” he said.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of shows, and that seems to be a common issue everywhere.”
During his speech, Lachy spoke about the need for shows to adapt, including greater use of technology to reduce administrative workload and make committee involvement more enjoyable.
“A lot of committee work is admin and boring stuff,” he said.
“If we can use technology to ease that burden and focus more on making it social and enjoyable, people are more likely to stay involved.”
Pride in his region is a strong motivator for Lachy, who has exhibited cattle at shows throughout the Goulburn Valley and beyond.
“You’d think seven shows in such a small area would all be the same, but they’re all so different,” he said.
“Shepparton Show is probably the biggest on the calendar for us — we spend three days there.”
Now working at Numurkah Secondary College following a career as a chef in Shepparton, Lachy is studying further with plans to move into teaching, potentially combining his skills in hospitality and agriculture.
He is also involved in regional leadership programs, including Goulburn Murray Community Leadership’s Fairley program, which he said had broadened his understanding of community needs across northern Victoria.
Looking ahead, Lachy hopes to use his ambassador role to encourage more young people to get involved in shows and local leadership opportunities.
“It’s about mentoring young people, building confidence and developing public speaking skills,” he said.
“The ambassador role has so many positives, and I’d really encourage others to have a go.”
Lachy will head to the Royal Melbourne Show later this year to compete in the Rural Ambassador state finals.
