It is not a sport everybody learns to play at school. It does not regularly fill a stadium, or can be readily watched on a Saturday night amongst friends.

In Australia the sport, sometimes referred to as ‘bowling on the green’, is stitched by the figures of both men and women wearing wide brimmed white hats, scattered across a green turf broken only but the coloured balls anticipating a strike.

However, like many sports it requires strategy, patience and confidence, not only in oneself, but in your potential.

In the classrooms and on the field, the rise of Ellen Ryan’s career transcends any specific sports preference.

The reception of the bowls singles and pairs titles champion on Friday afternoon was a testament of this.

Scott Cooper, the council’s recreation facilities coordinator, fondly remembered the primary school-aged girl who turned up to play twilight bowls with her family. 

President of the Goulburn Railway Bowling Club Reg Thoms recounted 13-year-old Ryan and her uncle Dave on the field.

Many other speakers echoed these very same testaments. Ryan as skillful, dedicated and respected by all her peers.

But no one would have to tell you this. There is an authenticity and kindness that has surrounded the young sports star from the beginning. 

It is not easy being a champion. Not easy bearing the weight of your medals, constantly in the public eye, recognised for what you love.

Despite the myriad of sports men and women this town has, and will produce, Ryan will never be forgotten. 

Not for her skills or her titles, but for her humility and graciousness as a role model for this town. 

There is a concern sown into the agricultural industry that an increasing amount of young people are no longer interested in pursuing the life of a farmer. 

But young Quialago farmers Ebony Garner and Eli Bailey reminds us that this belief does not have to become a reality.

Winning gold at the national Food Awards for ethical, free range pork is also a signpost of the changing nature of customer needs. In a hyper globalised world the consumer can be more demanding, but also be the encouraging push you need to succeed.