Elyssa keen to give back
Edenhope’s Elyssa Hausler believes community spirit is among the most important aspects of living in a rural area.
Her commitment to giving back to her home town won her recognition as the state’s 2021 Junior Show Ambassador last month.
Judges at the Bendigo event also announced Nhill Agricultural and Pastoral Society member Mickayla Farmers as a state finalist for the award.
Elyssa, 19, an Edenhope Agricultural and Pastoral Society member, said she had taken on various leadership positions and voluntary roles while growing up in the town.
“I’ve always enjoyed getting to know the older generation,” she said.
“Everyone knows you in
Edenhope and it’s just nice to help out everyone else in the community.”
Elyssa said her family had a long history of volunteering its time for the agricultural society.
“It all started with my nanna helping out and flowed on to mum and then to me,” she said.
“I’ve been stewarding in the cookery section for as long as I can remember.
“My mum’s the pavilion supervisor as well, so I help out anyone who has any questions and do general errands.”
Elyssa is also involved in Edenhope-apsley Football Netball Club and coaches Edenhope Tennis Club’s Hot Shots team.
Elyssa said her voluntary efforts were focused on encouraging other young people to participate in their community.
“I want to find ways to keep younger people involved in the town and keep the younger generation wanting to stay in Edenhope,” she said.
The Edenhope College graduate completed her studies last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic before moving on to start an agribusiness management advanced diploma at Longerenong College.
“I’m hoping to be an agronomist,” Elyssa said.
“My brother got into the farming sector, and I thought I could do it too. I started a certificate II at school and fell in love with it.”