Trailblazers continue their momentum as participants, mentors, and supporters juggle full schedules — yet the energy is unmistakable. Our recent speaking engagements have been a great way to introduce the program to new faces and remind our community that Trailblazers Maleny is here to inspire, connect, and create opportunities for young people in agriculture and beyond.
Launching a new program takes time, persistence, and a lot of conversations — every introduction matters. That’s why we’re asking for your help: please share our story with your friends, networks, and community groups. The more people who know about Trailblazers, the more opportunities we can create for the next generation of leaders. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be:
Together, we’re building something that lasts — not just an event or a project, but a legacy.
Warm regards,
The Trailblazers Maleny Team
My experience and childhood growing up on a Dairy farm is what lead to my strong interest in the agricultural sector and rural communities and ultimately what began my involvement in the Maleny show. My favourite part about growing up on a farm is not only being surrounded by animals but learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and connection to the land from an early age. Living on a dairy farm is a unique and rewarding experience, where hard work, nature, and family values blend to create a fulfilling way of life. If you asked an everyday person what their favourite thing to do is I don’t think they would reply with feeding calves, mustering and working in the cattle yards. But all rural people will agree it’s a rewarding lifestyle and one that is grounded in tradition, where the rewards are seen in the healthy cows, the lush pastures, and the pride of producing fresh, quality dairy. Living on a dairy farm isn't just a job, you can’t just take a random day off if you want a holiday or to go somewhere —it's a commitment to sustainability, community, and a way of life.Every day brings new challenges, and the lessons learned on a farm—about patience, perseverance, and family—stay with you for life. It’s a childhood rooted in simplicity but filled with rich experiences that shape who you become.
I’m so grateful for my childhood growing up in agriculture and for the opportunities it has given me, in the future I hope to continue to educate urban people on the importance of agriculture and the role farmers play in the community.
Kind regards
Ellie Junior Rural Ambassador
Over the past month, Trailblazers Maleny has been out in the community, sharing our story with the Maleny Men’s Shed and the Country Women’sAssociation Maleny. These talks are helping to spread the word, inspire support, and connect with people who share our passion for giving young people real opportunities to learn, lead, and grow.
We’re also deep into planning for our Trailblazers Maleny Exhibit at Maleny FarmFest on 22 November at the Maleny Showgrounds. This youth-led space will bring energy and inspiration to the event, featuring ag-career talks, the MalenyAg Quiz, an Agriculture Learning Exhibit, and a local produce raffle.
Meanwhile, our entrants are preparing for the next stage of the Sub ChamberAgricultural Show Competition in November. And behind the scenes, our mentoring connections continue to thrive — helping participants not only build skills and confidence but also forge a strong sense of community.
August has been all about planning — mapping out the next six months and getting ready for our big November event. There’s plenty to do, and the energy is building. In September, we’re looking forward to our Spring Project, event, or field trip — with a beef industry tour high on the list of possibilities. October will bring the public speaking competition in conjunction with the Lions, open to any Trailblazer keen to take the mic and give it a go. Then, on 22 November, we’ll step into the spotlight at Maleny Farm Fest, bringing our youth-led ideas and enthusiasm to the community.
When I was growing up, someone gave me the chance to lead, try new things, and learn from my mistakes. It shaped the person I became. That’s exactly what we aim to do with Trailblazers Maleny—a youth development program for 10–18-year-olds built on the motto: learn by giving it a go. Trailblazers is different. This isn’t a program where adults run the show. Here, young people take the lead while we stand beside them—mentoring, guiding, and encouraging. We focus on building confidence, leadership, and practical skills, especially in agriculture, science, and community service.
And it works. Research from Tufts University in the United States on similar programs shows that participants are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, twice as likely to pursue careers in science or technology, and more likely to step into leadership roles and stay civically engaged as adults.
For some, Trailblazers becomes a pathway to the Maleny Showgirl or Rural Ambassador programs. But for all, the real success lies in the skills, resilience, and self-belief they take with them.
Trailblazers is free, inclusive, and open to any young person willing to give it a go—regardless of their background or school. We’re not just preparing young people for the future; we’re giving them the tools and courage to shape it.
Those interested in participating please contact
Dr. Theresa Craig AM - Trailblazer Maleny coordinator
0419 029 385
Sponsored by Maleny Agricultural Show Society