The Young Showground was the place to be last weekend, as the community came together to celebrate the 152nd Annual SWS Bank Young Show.
The much-loved annual event showcased the best of the Young and Hilltops region, with local businesses, industries, producers, exhibitors, and community groups coming together to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.
The 2026 Show saw two records broken; the highest number of school entries recorded in the pavilion and the turnout for the ever-popular Tractor Pull.
Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined locals for the festivities.
“I was delighted to officially open this year’s Show. It was a privilege and an opportunity to recognise the incredible efforts of the committee, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors who make the event possible,” Ms Cooke said.
“Their hard work ensures this much-loved tradition continues to thrive for future generations.”
The Show featured a full program of events and competitions throughout the day, with Ms Cooke also presenting the sash to the winner of the 2026 Young Woman Competition, Maddie Wegmann.
“I look forward to cheering Maddie on as she now goes on to represent Young at the Zone Finals to be held in Nyngan.”
Ms Cooke also met Young Show Junior Young Woman Competition winner Pheobe Apps and entrant Princess Delaney, congratulating all the young women who participated.
Young Show President Emma Godsell thanked the committee and volunteers for their tireless work in bringing the event together.
“As someone who started my show journey taking part in the then Miss Show Girl Competition, it’s great to see the likes of Gabbye Kemp, who was the Junior Young Woman winner last year, join the committee this year as our youngest member,” Ms Godsell said.
Ms Cooke also encouraged those attending the Show to consider getting involved with the committee and volunteering their time to help ensure the event continues for generations to come.
“Agricultural shows play an important role in keeping our regional communities connected, and the Young Show is a wonderful example of that,” Ms Cooke said.
“The event showcases the diversity of our local industries while providing a space for the community to come together and celebrate what makes Young and the Hilltops region so unique.”
