Hampton free-range chicken farmer Rachel Nicoll has a passion for all things agriculture.
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The former Rydal Showgirl and Chair of the Hartley Branch for NSW Young Farmers has stepped up into a new role on the Central Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) Board.
Ms Nicoll said she was humbled to be appointed the new role and since 2011 she has worked alongside Central Tabelands LLS through the Hampton Pest Animal group.
"I've helped deliver local events and have gotten heavily involved joining the Regional Pest Animal Committee and Community Advisory Group in 2017," she said.
"I've been fortunate to explore many facets and humbled to have received a ministerial appointment to an organisation that delivers so much to farmers, landholders and the wider community."
Ms Nicoll said her passion for the agricultural industry stemmed from her farm that has been in the family since 1955.
"I feel particularly fortunate to grow up on it [farm] and within the region, my first job was probably apprentice gate opener, which still occurs today," she laughed.
She said her passion also grew from childhood memories and never taking Australian produce for granted.
"...Never taking for granted how special Australian produce - our food, fibre and fauna is, particularly after COVID-19 arrived on the scene," she said.
Ms Nicoll said she was always on the hunt for meaningful experiences and she was lucky her passions have fused with her professional world.
"I find it hard to think that I wouldn't ever be doing something related to one of the areas I currently get to work in," she said.
In January, Ms Nicoll joined 30 delegates from Australia and India for the ninth Australia India Youth Dialogue in Delhi and Chennai.
Within NSW Farmers, she chairs the tertiary scholarships panel, sits on the Rural Affairs Committee and she joined the National Farmers Federation on EU-UK trade negotiations in 2017.
"Currently I'm on the Lithgow City Council Women's Advisory Group, having previous advisory roles on the Economic Development Committee and Rural Residential Strategy," Ms Nicoll said.
Last year she graduated from the Australian Mental Health Leaders Fellowship and sat on the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) Men's Advisory Group developing the You Got This Mate - Mental Health Help for Rural Men website.
"It's a great initiative and everyone should go check it out," she said.
In her role as chair of Hartley branch and NSW Young Farmers, Ms Nicoll helps to deliver effective advocacy for members, inform on local and state issues and assess the impact of changes such as government policy.
Last year this meant she had the opportunity to meet NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and present at the Unicef Youth Living with Drought Summit.
"Whether meeting with State Ministers or maintaining a consistent dialogue with councils, for me it's important to have one eye on the ground and one on the horizon and we contribute to members and community by driving outcomes through successful partnerships and programs," she said.
Ms Nicoll said NSW Young Farmers represented and advocated for young people in all areas of agricultural production.
"We are active in policy and decision making with NSW Farmers association, we grow our members through professional development and engage members and local communities in events across the state," she said.
She said key areas of focus included identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities for young people entering the sector.
"From removal of stamp duty for first farm purchases and AgriStarter Loans, improvements for food and fibre education across the school curriculum to growing regional employment and supporting regional development," she said.
Ms Nicoll wanted to thank the people who in her life who have continuously supported her passions.
"Thank you to the incredible array of people in my life, who've supported me through challenges, opened doors and helped me navigate major decisions.
"Your example, generosity candour, sponsorship, and encouragement are so deeply appreciated," she said.
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