As reported in the previous issue of the “Times”, Donald’s Jacob Donnellon had a big weekend ahead of him. 

After having been selected as a state finalist in the 2024 Junior Rural Ambassador program, he was headed to Kaniva for the VAS deciding round.

And, in what continues to be an exciting year for the well-recognised fellow, Jacob walked out at the end of the dinner not only with two new raffle prizes, but also a brand new title and achievement. 

Say congratulations to the 2024 Victorian Junior Rural Ambassador champion!

The son of Mark (Nobbie) and Angie Donnellon, of Jeffcott, Jacob has been involved in the Donald Show from a young age, and, what began as an interest in entering artworks into the pavilion, grew alongside him into a passion for agriculture shows themselves. From there, following this passion, he started helping out on the committee side of things, and ended up joining said committee in 2023.

Achievement
Though the only person on the committee under 25 years of age, and the only male on the committee to boot, Jacob was warmly welcomed and took to his new sponsorship role like a fish to water, raising a record $21,000 for the 2023 Donald Show. 

With this funding, the Show was able to host more free activities than ever for its attendees, leading to a bigger and better, more fun community event for all.

This year, on top of being awarded the 2024 Donald Young Citizen of the Year title. Jacob also took on two vice-leadership roles: school vice-captain of Donald High, and junior-vice president for the Donald Show committee.

Also being involved in the local football and cricket clubs – having roles ranging from water carrier to raffle ticket seller to umpire – Jacob wishes to be as involved in his community as possible.

Volunteering
“It gives me satisfaction when I can give back, and am able to help the community thrive and prosper,” Jacob said, “but I also want to be a role model, to draw more young people towards volunteering as they see it can be mutually beneficial.”

Currently balancing the workload of year 12 on top of all his other responsibilities, Jacob aims to take a gap year for some travelling, once he completes his studies. Traversing New Zealand solo last year was definitely where he caught the travel bug; he enjoyed the exploration, and would love to travel Canada and Europe in the future, too. Working at the Harvest Café, in this case, has not only helped develop his leadership skills, but will also help fund his future explorative endeavours.

After gaining some valuable world experience, Jacob plans to return and undertake tertiary studies, too.

So, not even out of High School, and already with an impressive track record, it’s easy to see how he was awarded the 2024 Victorian Junior Rural Ambassador title!

The Donald Show committee members, needless to say, are so happy for Jacob and this momentous accomplishment, the recognition of all his efforts.

“We could not be more proud of our Junior Show Ambassador, our ideas man, the one who gets stuff done,” the committee said.

“Congratulations, Jacob, you absolute legend!”