Home

Ambassador aims to bridge divide

Michael TrailCountryman
Wagin Woolorama rural ambassador Michael McKenzie.
Camera IconWagin Woolorama rural ambassador Michael McKenzie. Credit: Cally Dupe

Wagin Woolorama’s rural ambassador Michael McKenzie wants to use his new position as a platform to bring people down to the bush.

Mr McKenzie grew up in Darkan and Wagin but now lives in Perth working in corporate affairs at P&N Bank after studying at Christchurch Grammar and the University of WA.

“I thought it would be be a good opportunity for me to take on the role because I have balance of both the country and city in my life,” he said.

“I’ve been born a bred in the country and I have a lot of gratitude for the fact that I grew up around here.

“There’s a lot of lessons I think the city can learn from the country.

“Given my unique position it’d be great to not only go in there with a wide pool of experiences but also have a little goal of bringing more people from the city to learn about the country — in much the same manner that I’ve come from the country and learnt about the city.”

Regional education, the live export trade and the rural-metropolitan divide are among the key issues Mr McKenzie will advocate.

Mr McKenzie also implores others in the bush to try and bring people from the city out to regional WA to give them a better understanding of outback issues.

“We (us in the bush) want to say ‘hey look there’s an opportunity to come out, even if it’s to stay in my house’ when there’s an event down in the bush,” he said.

“(It’s about) sharing that insight, getting them to know the names

of the local towns and all the little nuances which come with country living.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails