Commonwealth Bank Rural Achiever Award

Young medical student, Geffrey Keighley has been announced as the 2011 Dalgety Show Rural Achiever.

Geffrey, 22, has lived on the Monaro since he was two-years-old in a farming environment and enjoys the rural lifestyle.

He attended St Patrickís Parish School for nine years then St Josephís College for his senior years. In 2008 Geffrey commenced his Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at University of New South Wales.

This year he is undertaking a rural placement in Port Macquarie, working in the various departments of the hospital.

Speaking after the award interviews, Geffrey said, "I am very appreciative of the honour and will strive to do all I can for the rural sector in the years to come."

"It has been a motivator for continuing to strive for rural health and continuing to get involved in my local community activities whenever I get the opportunity."

"Tim Dreverman, 2010 winner, has left behind some giant boots to fill and I will do my utmost to see that this honour was not unjustly awarded and that I can hopefully live up to expectations."

The three judge said all candidates were exceptional. "It was a very hard decision. We are so lucky to have young people such as these in our community", they said.

Finding the final decision very difficult to make, the judges asked for more time to deliberate. The judges' spokesperson said the decision between two candidates was "a hairís breadth", it was so difficult.

"Congratulations to the Dalgety Show for running such an event", he added.

To read what the RAS Rural Achiever finalists had to say about their experiences click here.

The Commonwealth Bank Rural Achiever Award is proudly sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, Shear Delight, Bush Basics, and Birdsnest/Mainstreet

Tim Dreverman wins RAS Rural Achiever Award

Winner of the inaugural Dalgety Show Rural Achiever Award in March 2010, Tim Dreverman from Berridale has been named as the winner of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Rural Achiever Award for 2011.

Tim was selected as one of eight finalists in December 2010 and was announced the winner at a dinner at the Royal Easter Show at Easter 2011. Tim, who is 27, runs his own business, Snowy Mountains Performance Horses, breaking and training horses and teaching people how to ride.

Mr Bernie OíSullivan, RAS General Manager Agricultural Development said that winning the title of RAS Rural Achiever can be an important step in helping young rural Australians achieve their ambitions and kick-start their career.

Tim said the Rural Achiever Award was great experience and a wonderful honour to represent the Dalgety Show and the Monaro.

During their time at the 2011 Royal Easter Show the eight finalists were involved in stewarding the livestock competitions, attending various industry functions and completing a public speaking course. They also played official roles in the Youth in Agriculture Day and Excellence in Agriculture Day celebrations as well as meeting the Governor of NSW and the Premier of NSW.

The Dalgety Show Society is proud of its first Rural Achiever.

The Dalgety Show Society is calling for entrants for its 2012 Rural Achiever Award.

Contacts for an entry form are:
Robin Daley on rdaley@activ8.net.au or phone 6456 5313

Download the Rural Achiever Entry Form. (pdf 16kb)