Rebecca Gross - 2009 Young Ambassador for Barossa

Twenty-five year old Angaston resident, Rebecca Gross has been named as the 2009 Young Ambassador for Barossa. The Barossa’s newest ambassador says winning the title is a humbling experience as she was in competition with many worthy recipients.

“There were so many worthy nominees who could have received the award” Rebecca said.

Rebecca says she is really looking forward to the future, particularly in immersing herself within the community.

“I am really excited to become more involved with the Barossa community. It is such an honour to be named in this position and I can’t wait to represent the youth of the Barossa and perhaps provide a new spin on things” she said.

According to Rebecca, the response to her win has been unbelievable.

“Everyone has been so happy for me and full of congratulations, which is great”, she said.

“The program really reaches so many aspects of the community.”

As the recipient of the title, Rebecca is awarded a travel scholarship and will act as Barossa’s Young Ambassador until the next Vintage Festival in 2011.

She says at the moment she is looking forward to going to London with her travel prize.

“I have been thinking I would like to go to London for the London Trade Fair which is next year.” Rebecca said.

“From there it would be great to travel through France!”

This year the Young Ambassador program celebrated its 10th anniversary since its introduction in 1999. Every Vintage Festival, 12 young adults aged 18-25 who display a strong passion for the Barossa region are selected as nominees and participate in hosting and promoting the Barossa Vintage Festival.

The program aims to raise the profile of potential future community leaders and Vintage Festival event convenors. Nominees undertake an extensive training program which incorporates event planning, presentation skills and the food and wine culture synonymous with the Barossa.

Rebecca credits last Festival’s Young Ambassador winner, Linda Parbs (nee Tscharke) for encouraging her to become involved with the programme.

“Linda was names as the Young Ambassador at last Vintage Festival and we work together at Peter Lehmann’s”, Rebecca said.

“She made a passing suggestion to me that I should enter the competition and I did.

“I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to become more involved with the region, as I wanted to get back into more involvement with Barossa committees.”

Rebecca said the program has created some fantastic opportunities for her and she urges anyone thinking about becoming involved to do so.

 

2011 Young Ambassador Nomination Form

The Barossa Vintage Festival celebrates the Barossa’s wine, food and heritage. Over 1000 volunteers combine their efforts to stage over 100 events. The Barossa Young Ambassador Program will be held in conjunction with the 2011 Barossa Vintage Festival (April 23 – May1). The Program aims to develop skills, provide mentoring and reward excellence in young adults who have an interest in promoting the rich and diverse culture of the Barossa region.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Barossa Young Ambassador Program aims to identify and raise the profile of future community leaders. The Program offers 12 young adults the opportunity to undertake training and networking in the local community, and to actively participate in hosting and promoting the 2011 Barossa Vintage Festival. On the final weekend of the Festival, one of the Young Ambassadors will be awarded as the Barossa Young Ambassador, and will receive an international travel award.

NOMINATIONS
Employers from across all industries are encouraged to nominate young people from their businesses. Young people with a passion for the Barossa region are also encouraged to nominate.
To nominate, complete the NOMINATION FORM & CRITERIA and send it to the
Barossa Vintage Festival Office; info@barossavintagefestival.com.au
or PO Box 420 Tanunda 5352.

Nominations close on Tuesday March 9, 2010.

Conditions of Entry
1. Nominees must be aged between 18 and 25 on June 30, 2010.
2. Nominees must have a genuine interest in the Barossa but need not be current residents.
3. Nominees must be willing to commit their time to participate in the required training and during the week of the 2011 Barossa Vintage Festival.

SELECTION
A panel of community representatives will select the 12 Barossa Young Ambassadors. This process will involve a review of all written nominations and may include a short interview.

TRAINING
Tailored training will focus on Barossa history, culture, food, wine, and tourism. In addition the training program will assist the 12 Barossa Young Ambassadors to develop key networks, and to gain valuable insight into event planning and management. Monthly training will commence in May 2010 (Monday evenings), with additional evening training conducted in September & October 2010. Please contact the Barossa Young Ambassador Program conveners for more information on the training calendar and program.

THE AWARD
One of the 12 Ambassadors will be announced as the Barossa Young Ambassador Award Recipient at the Festival Ball on Saturday April 30, 2011. The Award Recipient will receive an international travel experience to the value of $3,000. In addition, discretionary funding to the value of $2,000 will be available to the Award Recipient to attend functions and events in lead up to the 2013 Barossa Vintage Festival. The Award Recipient is encouraged to be on the 2013 Vintage Festival Steering Committee, and assist in mentoring the 2013 Young Ambassador Program participants and be available to attend selected events during the 2013 Vintage Festival, including the announcement of the next Barossa Young Ambassador. Additional opportunities will be available to all 12 Barossa Young Ambassadors.

 

2011 Young Ambassador Nomination Form