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Woolorama ambassadors embrace country-style fun

Frank Pederick and Chloe Radford.

Like many ambassadors before them, stars of the show Chloe Radford and Frank Ashworth are proud to be part of the 43rd annual Make Smoking History Wagin Woolorama on March 6 and 7.

As this year’s Wagin Agricultural Society rural ambassador, Ms Radford takes the show’s theme of country-style fun to heart, while, as patron, Mr Ashworth can recount a long and fruitful history behind the scenes of Woolorama.

Most important, however, is they embody the spirit of WA’s second-largest agricultural show.

Originally from Kojonup, Ms Radford moved to Wagin a year ago to take on the role of farm supplies sales manager at the local Elders Rural Services branch.

With many rural communities struggling to attract young professionals, Ms Radford said it was important to promote the benefits of agriculture and country living.

She said the best aspect of working in a rural community was the people.

“I find farmers very genuine, and we are all trying to achieve the same goal,” she said. “It is refreshing. Everyone works together.”

An equestrian enthusiast, Ms Radford describes horse riding as her “art”, adding there is something extraordinary about getting a 500kg animal to do what you ask it to.

She has competed in shows since the age of 10 and has also worked on show committees, making her a perfect candidate for this year’s role as rural ambassador.

“Woolorama is a fantastic opportunity for people to see what we do, and what is involved in running a show and a farm,” she said.

As any show committee would attest, a great deal of work goes into planning an event such as Woolorama.

Mr Pederick, a Wagin local from birth, has witnessed many a change on the show schedule over the years.

He said the most significant, and controversial, was the decision to hold the event in autumn.

It was a risky move, but one that paid off, helping to boost both the number of people through the gate and competitors at the event.

Other additions to Woolorama over the years have included a purpose-built British and Australasian sheep breeds pavilion, a poultry exhibition and the Cattle Expo, the latter of which has gone from strength to strength to become one of the biggest cattle shows in WA.

Now, as a life member of the Wagin Agricultural Society, Mr Pederick — a third-generation wheat and sheep farmer — is proud to be the patron of this year’s Woolorama.

He said he would be on the ground this Friday and Saturday, offering support and encouragement to exhibitors, volunteers and the wider community.