By Samantha Wantling
Security guard and rural fire fighter Josh Clarke, 22, believes the Apple and Grape Festival is an important part of the community, one he hopes to help keep alive and growing strongly.
To that end, Josh has become the third young ambassador announced for the 2024 Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, and only the fourth man to compete in the event’s history.
Josh has been involved with the festival for as long as he can remember.
Although born in Melbourne, he grew up in Stanthorpe, attending Greenlands State school for primary school followed by Stanthorpe State High School.
He said he had always loved participating in events at the festival like the grand parade. The community-minded young man also joined the Rural Fire Service after leaving school.
Josh now works at DNA Protection Services as a security guard, but also still finds time to volunteer as a member of the Stanthorpe SES and the Mallow Rural Fire service.
He said he was a huge believer in volunteering and wished that more young people would give back to the community.
“I really want to raise some money for the Apple and Grape and in doing so, help keep something so important to the community alive and growing,” he said.
He said he hoped other young men might look to his example and consider pursuing the experience themselves.
“It’s really rewarding,” he said.
Josh said he could not say enough good words about his sponsor.
He said he was grateful for the support of Stephen and Megan Favero – and Favero Motors Automotive and Glass – in his journey.
“Stephen and Megan have been awesome,” Josh said.
“They’ve given me heaps of advice and ideas.
“They’ve just been fantastic.”
Stephen Favero said he was pleased to get involved and sponsor and support the Young Ambassador program, as it benefitted the entire region and was also great fun.
“Megan and I are now the sole owners of Favero Motors, which has been operating for more than 50 years, so what better way to get further involved in the community than by being a part of the Apple and Grape?” he said.
“A lot of people come to town for the festival – people who used to live here come back and bring their friends and family and it really just brings everyone together. And it’s fun to get out and just get amongst it.”
Apple and Grape Festival President Russell Wantling was excited to have a male ambassador once again in the program.
“There have only been three males before Josh, and they always bring a new dynamic to the festival,” Russell said.
“It is just another way of showing how far we have come as a region. And having a young resident as grounded and hardworking as Josh decide to stand up, honestly, I could not be happier.”
Russell said it was fantastic to have a new sponsor in Favero Motors Automotive and Glass, as they were a long standing local, family business with a stellar reputation.
“Make sure you throw your support behind Josh and our first two Ambassadors Breanna and Anna, as they strive to make your festival not only long lasting, but better for generations to come,” he said.
“Whether it is buying a raffle ticket or attending a major event that they are hosting, there will be something for everyone.”
Josh is currently running a raffle with tickets available from Favero Motors Automotive and Glass, Stannum Studio, Anna’s Candles, Stanthorpe Cheese, Crisp Coaches and Castle Glen.
To stay up to date with Josh’s ambassador journey, follow his Favero Motors Automotive and Glass Young Ambassador – Josh Clarke Facebook page.
There is still time to become a Young Ambassador, with nominations still open until 30 June 2023. Anyone interested in being a 2024 Young Ambassador or sponsoring a Young Ambassador should email ambassadors@appleandgrape.org or phone Samantha Wantling on 0439 420 289 or Jordan Cassidy on 0473 826 228.
