Ricky bids for ambassador role

By Melissa Meehan
THE SOLE male competitor in the race to become the Royal Melbourne Show’s 2009 Ambassador has encouraged more men to take part next year.
Keysborough’s Ricky Ferris said his experiences in the competition allowed him to make new friends and share ideas from the agricultural fields.
Ricky has been involved in rural community events since he was a young boy, helping his grand father on his Keysborough farm.
When his grandfather became ill and was forced to sell the farm, Ricky then offered his services to a friend’s farming properties.
He became a member of the Dandenong Show committee when he was 14, the youngest member to ever join.
“I’ve been involved in shows all of my life, stewarding and showing dairy cattle,” he said.
“It is something I will do until the day I die.”
His love for the agricultural shows comes from his love to give city folk a taste of the rural life.
“Some kids don’t get the chance or opportunity to pat a sheep, cow or horse in their lives,” he said.
“That’s why these events are so important.”
He said the aim of the Dandenong Show committee this year was to break into the ethnic groups in the multicultural town.
“We want to bring together the different cultures, food and dances,” he said.
“And are already working with different community groups.”
Ricky was one of 11 who competed to become the Royal Melbourne Show 2009 Ambassador.
He was the only male this year, which is something different for the somewhat male-dominated event of past years.
“It’s great that the girls are getting involved,” he said.
“But it’s kind of sad that the guys aren’t taking part – hopefully next year it’ll even up.”
He said that he would encourage anyone with an interest in farming or agricultural issues to take part in the competition next year.
“You don’t need to be on a farm,” he said. “Just have a keen interest.”
This year’s winner Lauren Mathers was named on Sunday.