News
8 October, 2025
Rural pride shines at awards
THE Toogoolawah Show Society lit up the West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards Night on September 27 at the Lowood Showgrounds, with its Showgirl and Rural Ambassador recognised among the district’s best.
Toogoolawah Showgirl Hannah Johnson was crowned District Showgirl, with Piper Christensen from Gatton Show Society named runner-up.
In the Rural Ambassador category, Caitlin Cox from Ipswich Show Society took top honours, while Toogoolawah’s Matthew Lukritz was awarded runner-up.
Both winners will represent the West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber at the Ekka in Brisbane in 2026.
Toogoolawah Show Society president, Vern Doyle, said he was immensely proud of the group’s young representatives.
“It shows that young people around Toogoolawah are interested in the show society and promoting ideals for agriculture to younger people,” he said.
“We’re very proud that these young people help Toogoolawah Show Society. Without young people, show societies don’t run and don’t work, but with their involvement, it makes it really good. It shows they’re keen in the area and in the show society.”
Mr Doyle highlighted the significance of the awards for the community, noting that such recognition encourages youth participation and helps ensure the future of local agricultural events.
“It means to other show societies that we involve younger people, make them involved and doing that, that they become interested and become members of the show society, and then they represent the district, the area,” he explained.
Reflecting on the awards night, Mr Doyle praised the organisers: “It was a good night. The venue and the meal were great—Lowood did a fantastic job.”
He also offered words of encouragement for anyone considering entering next year.
“Come along. Get involved and join and help. You’ll find you’ll have a great time. It’s just getting involved, meeting new people,” Mr Doyle said.
Congratulations to Hannah and Matthew, along with all local showgirls and rural ambassadors, for their dedication to their communities.
