Kelsey McKibbin, Laura Robertson, Jordan Cassidy strive for equality, unity in quest for iconic Apple and Grape Young Ambassador title

The newest faces of the Apple and Grape Festival ambassadorship are eager to make their mark on the Granite Belt, with big plans to give back to the community and showcase what the region has to offer.

Three new contestants have entered the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival competition, chasing the title of young ambassador. Photo: NRM

Three new contestants have entered the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival competition, chasing the title of young ambassador with plans to promote equality and unity throughout the community.

The trio are hoping to use their platform to showcase some of the region’s best producers and businesses, while developing new skills and being pushed out of their comfort zones.

Apple and Grape Festival president Russell Wantling, Little Larder Owner Cam Giddings, young ambassador Kelsey McKibbon and Little Larder General Manager Josh Read. Photo: Contributed

Mother of two Kelsey McKibbin, sponsored by The Little Larder, will focus their fundraising efforts and events on equality.

Cafe owner Cameron Giddings said the pair would aim to raise awareness in the community of what it means to be accepted for being different.

“We will be directing our fundraising at every demographic possible to ensure everyone in our community feels the inclusiveness and equality we promote at The Little Larder,” he said.

The pair will work with as many supportive local businesses as possible to ensure a successful outcome for the town.

“This will give Kelsey the very best opportunity to build and strengthen her profile in the region and raise awareness for equality all while having fun doing it,” Mr Giddings said.

Ms McKibbin said she was looking forward to the adventure of being part of the iconic festival.

“This experience for me is about stepping out of my comfort zone and exposing myself to something completely new,” she said.

Apple and Grape young ambassador Laura Robertson alongside festival president Russell Wantling and Ballandean Hall and Sports Committee president Jason Nash and secretary of Ballandean Hall committee Megan Walker. Photo: Contributed

Laura Robertson is proud to be representing Ballandean at next year’s festival, and is sponsored by the Ballandean Hall and Sports Committee.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and learning about the Stanthorpe region and having fun while doing it,” she said.

Ms Robertson is one of youngest ambassadors at 18 years of age, and wants to help the community by promoting the region, as well as learning new life skills through the experience.

Ballandean Hall and Sports Committee president Jason Nash said the group was excited to support a “born and bred” Ballandean resident in the competition.

“The Ballandean Hall has had a Young Ambassador or Miss Southern Belle for as long as the festival has been on,” he said.

“Ballandean is a very tight community and we wanted to continue with the tradition, especially since it’s harder and harder to get young ambassadors interested.”

Granite Belt Growers' Association president Angus Ferrier with Apple and Grape young ambassador Jordan Cassidy and festival president Russell Wantling. Photo: Contributed

Jordan Cassidy has been a festival volunteer for many years, alongside her grandmother and festival co-ordinator Annette Brown and her grandfather Bill, the grand parade marshal.

“I’ve wanted to be a young ambassador since I was 16 and when the chance came along, I thought ‘why not?’,” she said.

“I want to give back to the community and hold fun events to raise money for the Apple and Grape.”

Ms Cassidy is looking forward to working with her sponsor the Granite Belt Growers’ Association, to highlight the expanding range of fruit and vegetables grown in the region.

GBGA president Angus Ferrier said he was happy to support the enthusiastic and energetic young woman.

“From our point of view, the GBGA is always keen to promote the role that the Granite Belt plays as a major supplier of fruit and vegetables for Australian consumers,” he said.

Apple and Grape Harvest Festival president Russell Wantling said the festival celebrates the region’s amazing horticultural industry.

“After the worst drought in living history, it is so important to remind our visitors the amazing produce that this region delivers,” he said.

The three women add to the growing list of young ambassadors with Jasmin Ball-Mandavy, Karma O‘Reilly and Amy Colyer already putting their hands up for the role.