The Cohuna and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society Inc has fared well at the Northern District Agricultural Societies Association of Victoria (NDAS) Group Finals held in Swan Hill last Sunday.

Taking out one of the most prestigious awards was Giorgi Boucher. She will now be representing the entire NDAS as the Rural Ambassador for 20 years and under 30 years at the Melbourne Royal Show in September.

Ms Boucher, who is also the Cohuna show secretary, said that she is really excited about being able to represent the district.

“I have been through the process before and really enjoyed it, so I thought I would try it again,” she said.

“I think it is a very beneficial opportunity to build confidence and to build professionalism as well, making connections and growing in the agricultural sector as well.

“The agricultural sector can be isolating at times, especially for young people and there is a lot of effort being made to build the involvement of the youth in the industry.

“It’s a matter of finding people and supporting each other. No farmers no food so we really have to keep it going.

“All going well there should be a group of about six of us and we will get to spend those days together building connections.”

Once reaching Melbourne she will join finalists from all the other districts spending several days learning about the behind the scenes at the Melbourne Royal Show to see how the show is run and organised.

There will also be a panel interview in front of a group of judges who will assess the contestants on community and show involvement, aspirations and goals, presentation and then they will have to give a three-minute speech on a topic of their own choosing.

Ms Boucher is not the only representative for the district from Cohuna. Teenager Zaeli Cutter, will also be representing the district as NDAS Show Teenager 13 – 16 years, Cohuna was also awarded the second place in the Junior Ambassador Award 16 – 19 years with Ben Hawken.

Other prizes achieved on the day included

• Decorated Cup Cakes (Judged on decoration only) Plate of three, Charlotte Trueman third place.
• Boiled Fruit Cake – As per recipe supplied Millie Dobie Highly Commended
• Jams & Preserves Dianne Shelley Highly Commended.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 1 May 2025.