By Jess Baker
The ninth and final young ambassador has been announced for the 2022 Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, with the entrant set to go down in history as one of only three men to compete.
Ben Green, 20, has been involved with the Festival for as long as he can remember.
He grew up in Stanthorpe, attending Thulimbah State School from Prep through Year 7 and St Joseph’s School until Year 12, and always loved participating in events at the Festival like the grand parade.
Ben now works his dream job as a veterinary nurse at Stanthorpe Vet Care Services and hopes to incorporate his love for animals, people, and the town into his fundraising for next year’s Apple and Grape.
He said he was looking forward to some of the bigger fundraising events he and his sponsor – and employer – Kirstin Widderick were planning for the coming year.
“I wanted to raise some money for the Apple and Grape and get to know some more people,” Ben said.
He said he hoped other young men might look to him, as the third ever male Apple and Grape young ambassador, and consider pursuing the experience themselves.
“It’s really rewarding,” he said.
Ben said an old friend and co-worker of his Kasey Charlton inspired him to take the leap and become a young ambassador for the 2022 Festival, as she had had a fantastic time as a young ambassador in 2016.
He said he was grateful for the support of his sponsor Kirstin – and Stanthorpe Vet Care Services – in his journey.
“Kirstin’s been awesome. She’s given me a lot of donations (and) a lot of her time,” Ben said. “She’s just been fantastic.”
Kirstin said she was pleased to once again sponsor an entrant in the Young Ambassador program, as it benefitted the Apple and Grape and was also great fun.
“A lot of people come to town for the festival,” Kirstin said. “People who used to live here come back and bring their friends and there are a lot of tourists.
“It’s fun to get out and just get amongst it.”
Apple and Grape Festival President Russell Wantling said next year would mark a decade since the committee allowed males to enter the young ambassador competition.
“There have only been two males before Ben, but how fitting is it, in the 150th birthday of Stanthorpe, to have another male in this program,” Russell said.
“It is just another way of showing how far we have come as a region in 150 years. And having a young resident as grounded and hardworking as Ben round off the nine ambassadors, honestly, I could not be happier.”
Russell said it was “fantastic” to welcome Kirstin back as a sponsor for the second time, as Stanthorpe Vet Care Clinic was an integral and involved part of the business community.
“So that is it … our nine ambassadors,” he said.
“Make sure you throw your support behind these nine exemplary young adults as they strive to make your festival not only long lasting, but better for generations to come.
“Whether it is a raffle ticket, or a major event that they are hosting, there will be something for everyone.”
In his fundraising for the Young Ambassador program, Ben will offer dog hydrobaths every second Saturday and will run 100 Clubs at his second place of employment, Hotel Stanthorpe (Top Pub).
To stay up to date with Ben’s ambassador journey, follow his Stanthorpe Veterinary Care Services Young Ambassador – Ben Green Facebook page.
