THE 2022 Marburg Show Rural Ambassador, Matthew Petty, has been selected as the 2023 Queensland Community Spirit Award Winner for his dedication to community and agriculture.

Matthew was announced as the winner at the State final of the Rural Ambassador Award which was held at the Royal on the Park in Brisbane on August 19.

In the lead up to the award, Matthew was chosen as Rural Ambassador at the 2022 Marburg Show Ball and he was then successful in winning at the regional final later in the year.

Matthew attended the Brisbane RNA, where he joined with 11 other Queensland finalists taking part in information seminars, networking workshops, personal development activities and travelled throughout Brisbane to learn about industry.

Describing his experience at the Ekka as “amazing”, Matthew said he had the time of his life and learned many new things, while making new connections that will last a lifetime.

“This program is so important as it is a way to share knowledge, to learn new things and to meet likeminded people whilst helping others, it was an honour to be involved,” he said.

“The judging process involved interviews, stage presentations and judging on the overall way that each participant engaging with others during all of the activities throughout the time at the show.

“Winning the State Community Spirit Award was great; it really means a lot to me and it shows that I must have been doing something right.

“This award has also opened doors, as I have now been asked by other show societies to attend their show, to help and volunteer in many different areas, which I am really looking forward to.”