IPSWICH’S Madeline Toft will take her passion for agriculture and the show movement to the Ekka after being crowned the 2026 West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Rural Ambassador.
Ms Toft, representing the Ipswich Show Society, claimed the regional title at the West Moreton and Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards.
Gatton Show Society representative Nicola Miners was named the region’s 2026 Showgirl, with both winners now progressing to the Queensland Country Life Showgirl and Rural Ambassador State Finals at the 2027 Ekka.
Ms Toft said she was shocked and humbled to hear her name announced and was proud to have the opportunity to represent a region with strong connections to agriculture and the show movement.
“I am incredibly proud of the region I come from, and to be selected to represent it is a real honour,” she said.
Ms Toft said her involvement with the Ipswich Show Society during the past year had strengthened her appreciation of the role agricultural shows continued to play in bringing communities together.
Encouraging more young people to become involved in agriculture and local shows will be among her priorities during the next 12 months.
“One of my main goals is to increase youth participation in local shows and the broader agricultural movement,” Ms Toft said.
“Encouraging the next generation to get involved is so important for the longevity of agriculture, and every new person who gets involved adds another voice to the conversations we are having about our industry.”
Ipswich Show Society president Darren Zanow said the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador programs were about much more than winning a title.
“They provide an incredible opportunity for young people to develop their confidence, leadership skills and connection with their local communities, while gaining a deeper understanding of what agricultural shows contribute to Queensland.”
