From assisting professional photographers to helping take the inaugural Youth Farmer Challenge to the next level, Trailblazers members have continued to step up, try new experiences, and grow in confidence throughout the first half of 2026.
Over recent months, members have participated in hands-on learning experiences, community events, agricultural activities, and leadership opportunities that reflect what Trailblazers is all about — learning by doing, building confidence, and becoming involved within the community.
It has been encouraging to see members becoming increasingly confident, willing to take initiative, and prepared to challenge themselves in new situations.
In May, members participated in a local food and agriculture tour, including a visit to the Maleny Cheese Factory.
The visit provided valuable insight into food production, processing, product development, and the importance of value-adding within agriculture. Members gained a better understanding of the journey from farm production through to finished food products available to consumers.
Members also learned how to prepare and present a professional cheese platter, including the marketing, presentation, and aesthetics behind food display and consumer appeal. This hands-on activity highlighted how presentation, branding, and customer experience all contribute to the success of food businesses and regional producers.
The day also included a public speaking workshop designed to help members build confidence in communication, presentation, and leadership skills. Through practical activities and discussions, members developed skills in speaking clearly, presenting ideas effectively, and communicating with confidence.
Several Trailblazers members also participated in the Maleny Showgirl and Rural Ambassador program this year, demonstrating confidence, leadership, and strong communication skills throughout the process.
As part of the pre-show celebrations, members took part in the 'Make It, Show It, Grow It – Showdown Trivia Night,' a vibrant community event celebrating local food producers, agriculture, and emerging young leaders ahead of the Maleny Agricultural Show.
During the evening, competitors interviewed local food producers as part of the judging process, asking thoughtful questions about their products, businesses, and involvement within the region. These young ladies spoke exceptionally well throughout the event and demonstrated professionalism, preparation, and genuine interest in local agriculture and food production.
We congratulate the Trailblazers members recognised through the Maleny Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards program:
Kael Thompson – Maleny Showgirl
Alexandra Haslam – Junior Showgirl
Isabelle Moore – Runner-Up Junior Showgirl
Keelee Thompson – Junior Rural Ambassador
Their achievements reflected the confidence, communication skills, leadership, and community involvement encouraged through the Trailblazers program.
The Maleny Agricultural Show once again provided Trailblazers members with a wonderful opportunity to become actively involved in one of the region's most important community events.
Members assisted across a wide range of activities throughout the show, gaining practical experience while contributing to the success of the event. Activities included assisting with sausage making demonstrations, judging trade exhibits, judging the colouring competition, supporting the official photographer, stewarding events, assisting in the VIP tent, and helping run the inaugural Youth Farmer Challenge.
For many members, one of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to work alongside other young people, volunteers, judges, exhibitors, and community members in a busy event environment. Members took on responsibilities they may not normally experience and developed valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills throughout the weekend.
It was also fantastic to see members encouraging younger participants and stepping forward to help wherever needed.
This year marked the first time the Youth Farmer Challenge had been held, with Trailblazers members playing an important role in both participating in and helping run the event.
Members stepped up and improved parts of the event, demonstrating initiative, leadership, teamwork, and the ability to engage positively with younger participants and the public. Their involvement helped create a fun and supportive environment while also providing valuable experience in event coordination and community engagement.
The event reflected one of the key strengths of Trailblazers — encouraging young people to gain confidence by actively participating, contributing ideas, and learning through real experiences.
"I love being part of the show for many reasons including working alongside other young people that I have made friendships with to help make the event a success. It has given me the opportunity to meet new people, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and contribute to something that brings our community together.
Through my involvement, I have learned the importance of volunteering, responsibility, and supporting local events. Being part of the show is not only fun and exciting getting to see behind the scenes, but it has also helped me gain a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into organising and running a community event."
"There were many things I liked about the Maleny Show, such as seeing friends, going on rides, and looking at the displays and farm animals. But my favourite part of the day was helping out with Trailblazers. I talked to the judges judging chickens, handed out ribbons for cattle, and helped with activities such as making cardboard hats and preparing food in the VIP tent. Overall, I had a busy but fun and exciting day, and I am looking forward to doing more agriculture work at the show next year!"
"At the Maleny Show there are rides, events, workshops and stalls which are my favourite things that I look forward to each year. Over two days we have the opportunity to gather friends and family and celebrate what makes Maleny such a wonderful community."
The second half of the year continues to offer exciting opportunities for Trailblazers members to become involved, learn new skills, and contribute to the community.
Members will have the opportunity to experience one of Australia's largest agricultural events and gain exposure to a wide range of industries, competitions, and innovations. If this does not come to fruition we will plan another wonderful event.
Planning is currently underway, with several exciting options being considered.
Members will work together on practical activities and preparations leading into Maleny Farm Fest.
One of the major highlights ahead is Maleny Farm Fest 2026, where Trailblazers will once again play an important role, particularly through the Youth Zone and activities focused on Innovation in Agriculture.
Trailblazers participated in the Maleny State High School career day on the 22nd of May.
Know a group that should hear about Trailblazers? Let us know — every new connection helps us reach more young people.
Trailblazers is built around learning by doing and giving young people opportunities to gain practical experiences, build confidence, and discover new interests.
While many activities connect with agriculture and regional communities, the program is much broader than that. Members are encouraged to explore areas that interest them — whether that be leadership, photography, media, public speaking, science, technology, event management, community service, or agriculture itself.
One of the strengths of Trailblazers is its flexibility. Young people can join at any time throughout the year and participate at a pace that suits their confidence, interests, and availability.
For example, during the Maleny Show, Edee Hamley — a Trailblazer member with an interest in photography — was given the opportunity to assist the professional event photographer (Marsha), gaining valuable real-world experience working in a live event environment.
Through these experiences, members develop initiative, responsibility, teamwork, communication skills, and confidence while building friendships, community connections, and experiences that may help shape future pathways and careers.
We thank everyone who has supported Trailblazers so far and look forward to an exciting second half of the year.
Trailblazers welcomes young people aged 10–18 who are interested in trying new experiences, building confidence, developing skills, and becoming involved in their community.
There is no requirement to have a farming background or previous experience. Members can join at any time throughout the year and participate in activities that match their interests, confidence, and availability.
Whether your interests are in agriculture, leadership, public speaking, photography, science, community events, media, or simply meeting like-minded young people and giving new things a go, Trailblazers provides a supportive environment to learn through real experiences.
For past participants over 18, there may also be opportunities for individual mentoring, leadership development, and assisting with the coordination and running of Trailblazers activities and events.
Parents and young people interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact the Trailblazers team through the Maleny Agricultural Show Society.
Come along, meet new people, learn new skills, and give something new a go.
Step up. Stand out. Blaze the trail.