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© 2024 Barossa Leader

Message from outgoing Barossa Young Ambassador Abbey Underwood

3 min read

It is crazy to think that two years ago I was presented as the Barossa Young Ambassador.

The time has absolutely flown by! 

Thinking way back to the application process, I thought, ‘I can’t wait to see what this programme could bring for me and what opportunities I will be able to take advantage of.’ 

This certainly has not disappointed, and I have been honoured to make the most of every opportunity presented to me in the last two years as the Barossa Young Ambassador. 

I am incredibly grateful for the way the programme enabled me to become a confident and capable young leader. 

The programme was the perfect launching pad for my dreams and ambitions. 

Not only was I able to meet incredible people, I was fortunate enough to learn and grow from them. 

Throughout the multiple experiences I engaged in over the nine month programme in 2021, I was able to grow and develop my own personal set of skills. 

From this, it has been a highlight for me to recreate this programme for the 2023 Young Ambassadors. 

Working with the Young Ambassador Advisory Committee, we have put together a high quality programme for this year’s Young Ambassadors. 

It has been an honour to see this year’s dedicated group grow through the last nine months in their own personal journey.

The greatest achievement that has occurred throughout my time as the Young Ambassador is my Personal Project coming to life. 

To think that two years ago, I was presenting my idea for an Inclusive and Accessible playground in the Barossa and now it has come to life, it’s crazy! 

I am incredibly proud of my dedication to bring my dream to life and so grateful that the Barossa Young Ambassador Programme was the perfect launching pad for my dreams and goals. 

Being an active, involved and respected member of my community is the greatest gift the programme could have ever given me. 

The Barossa Young Ambassador programme will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart, without it, I would not be the leader I am today. 

It is such an exciting time of year when the festival is about to begin. 

I really look forward to attending many events! 

My top Vintage Festival Event this year is the Ball at Seppeltsfield! 

I’m also looking forward to the announcement of our 2023 Young Ambassador, amazing food, great music and sensational atmosphere, I couldn’t think of anything better! 

My next pick is sure to be the parade. 

A free event that is always a community favourite, be sure to look out for the Young Ambassadors float. 

If you’re ready to go back in time and hopefully score a bargain at the Auction, the Ziegenmarkt is the event for you. 

I can’t wait for a kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancake), scoring a deal at the auction and a warm coffee in those early hours of the morning! 

I am also very much looking forward to attending the Create & Sip event to paint my own wine label at Rosenvale Wines led by Karen Nickels and attending Rebekah Rosenzweig’s book launch, History of the Barossa Vintage Festival. 

I can’t wait for the festival to begin and I very much look forward to awarding our next Barossa Young Ambassador very soon!