About Young Woman Competition
The ACCIONA Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition is a prestigious program of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, proudly inspiring and developing the next generation of female leaders in rural and regional NSW. Formerly known as the Miss Showgirl Competition, the program has a proud history of more than 60 years and celebrates leadership, community contribution and a genuine passion for agriculture. More than a title, the competition builds confidence and capability, developing ambassadors who represent their communities and rural NSW with pride.
Young Women begin their journey by entering the competition at their local agricultural show, where they are selected as their Show’s Young Woman. From there, participants progress through one of seven Zone Finals, coordinated by AgShows NSW, with successful Zone winners advancing to the NSW State Final conducted by the RAS at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Up to 16 finalists take part in an immersive six-day program, culminating in a public speaking showcase at the Showground Amphitheatre. Throughout the program, participants demonstrate insight into the challenges facing rural NSW and a strong commitment to their communities, agriculture and leadership.
AgShows NSW - Local and Zone Level
Nicky Seeto
phone (02) 9879 6777 or email hello@agshowsnsw.org.au
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW - State Level
Kane Gerrets
phone (02) 9704 1160 or email kgerrets@rasnsw.com.au
Local Young Woman Competition
Communication
Most show societies appoint a Young Woman Coordinator or Committee to manage the competition, though in some cases the responsibility may sit with the Show Secretary. Regardless of structure, clear communication between the show society and the Coordinator or Committee is essential.
Eligibility and Format
- Entrants must be 18 years to under 26 years of age as at 1 May in the year of the State Final.
- There is no limit to the number of times a young woman may enter, provided she remains eligible.
- Show societies may run a competition annually, biennially, or nominate a candidate without holding a formal local competition if approached by an entrant.
There are no mandatory requirements on how a local competition must be conducted. However, many societies choose to align with the RAS suggested format to better prepare entrants for Zone and State Finals.
Encouraging Participation
Attracting entrants can be challenging. Successful strategies include:
- Advertising through local media
- Directly approaching potential entrants
- Engaging local businesses to sponsor prizes and nominate candidates
- Involving the current Young Woman to speak with schools, youth groups or community organisations
- Promoting the competition via social media and tagging local groups
- Hosting information stalls at shopping centres, field days or community events
Entrants must complete:
- Form A – Conditions of Entry
- Form B – Young Woman Details
Completed forms should be submitted to the Young Woman Coordinator or Show Secretary.
Judging at Local Level
Where possible, entrants should be interviewed by a panel of three judges appointed by the show society. It is recommended (but not mandatory) that:
- Judges are independent and not closely connected to entrants
- The panel includes a mix of perspectives
- At least one judge has knowledge of the local area
The announcement of the local Young Woman winner is a key feature of the Show and should be promoted through local media and social channels.
Involving and Supporting Your Young Woman
The local Young Woman holds the role for one year until the next Show. Show societies are encouraged to actively involve their Young Woman through:
- Official openings
- Public speaking and community events
- Presenting awards
- Media engagement
- Supporting future Young Woman competitions
Ongoing support helps build confidence and prepares entrants for progression to Zone and State levels.
Post-Show, a copy of Forms A and B and a photograph of the winning Young Woman must be forwarded promptly to the Zone Final Coordinator and the AgShows NSW Young Woman Coordinator. Entry to Zone Finals is only accepted once this documentation is received.
Show societies are also encouraged to support their representative at the Zone Final by attending, hosting tables and providing encouragement.
Downloadable Information & Forms
- Please click here for the Zone Final Photo Guidelines prepared by Finley Show Society...
- The 2026 Conditions and Guidelines have been separated into smaller documents.
- Please click here for the Show Society Information.
- Please click here for Applicant Information.
- Please click here for the Judge Information.
- Please click here for the Zone Host Information.
- 2026 Forms A, B and C
- 2026 Form A
- 2026 Form B
- 2026 Form C
- A5 Poster
- A3 Poster
Zone Finals
Zone Finals are the next step in the Acciona Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition after being successful in becoming the Young Woman for your local Show.
The Zone Final is a regional competition to gain an opportunity to participate in the State Final held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Zone Finals are all held at least four weeks before the Sydney Royal.
There is a Judging Score Sheet for the Zone Final. There are points awarded for Personality, Confidence, Goals, General Knowledge, Rural Knowledge, Personal Presentation and Volunteer or Community Involvement. This is assessed during an interview with the three judges, and lunch held with all Zone entrants and judges. At the Zone Final Dinner there is an onstage interview that is worth 10% of the final score.
Ultimately the State Finalists are a result of the cumulation of the day and night activities.
2026 Zone Final Dates & Location
- Zone 1 - Kyogle Show Society - 14 February 2026
- Zone 2 - Albion Park Show Society - 21 February 2026
- Zone 3 - Gunning Show Society - 28 February 2026
- Zone 4 - Warialda Show Society - 7 February 2026
- Zone 5 - Mudgee Show Society - 24 January 2026
- Zone 6 - Eugowra Show Society - 28 February 2026
- Zone 7 - Ganmain Show Society - 31 January 2026
2027 Zone Final Dates & Location
- Zone 1 - Wauchope Show Society - 30 January 2027
- Zone 2 - Hawkesbury Show Society - 13 February 2027
- Zone 3 - Cobargo Show Society - 23 January 2027
- Zone 4 - Glen Innes Show Society - 16 January 2027
- Zone 5 - Cessnock Show Society - 16 January 2027
- Zone 6 - Nyngan Show Society - 13 February 2027
- Zone 7 - Cootamundra Show Society - 6 February 2027
- AgShows NSW Annual Seminar for Show Societies hosting a Zone Final in 2027 to be confirmed.
2027 Zone Final Coordinator Details
Zone 1 – Wauchope Show Society
Contact:
Nikki Dein
nikkidean@gmail.com
Zone 2 – Hawksebury Show Society
Contact:
Katherine Munn
kmunn.92@gmail.com
Zone 3 - Cobargo Show Society
Contact:
Christy Holland
christyholland@live.com.au
Zone 4 - Glen Innes Show Society
Contact:
Emily Burton
emburton024@gmail.com
Zone 5 - Cessnock Show Society
Contact:
Shiralee Adams
geoffandshiralee@bigpond.com
Zone 6 - Nyngan Show Society
Contact:
Bec George
nynganshowsociety@gmail.com
Zone 7 - Cootamundra Show Society
Contact:
Jessica Bush
jessicajanebush@gmail.com
Acciona Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman State Final
The State Final is conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and typically includes 15–18 finalists.
For general information regarding the competition please click here Acciona Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman.
Judging focuses on:
- Confidence and communication
- Personal presentation
- Ambitions and goals
- General and rural knowledge
- Community and volunteer involvement
- Understanding of local communities and current affairs
Finalists are assessed on both their ambassadorial qualities and their involvement in rural and community life.
The judging process includes:
- A formal interview (approximately 20 minutes); and
- Participation in a range of official and social engagements over six days, where qualities such as conduct, engagement and professionalism are observed.
A Presentation Ceremony is held at the Show, where two awards are presented:
- State Final Winner
- State Final Runner-Up
All finalists attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show as guests of the RAS undertaking official duties throughout the event.
Professional Development and Representation
The RAS delivers a comprehensive development program for finalists. Activities typically include:
- Official receptions
- Community and charity visits
- Participation in ceremonial events such as the Grand Parade
- Attendance at official Show functions
Finalists also participate in a professional development workshop designed to strengthen skills in:
- Public speaking and presentation
- Engaging with audiences
- Managing interactions with individuals and groups
- Building rapport and confidence
- Introducing speakers and representing organisations
Young Women also assist with presenting awards at agricultural competitions throughout the Show.
The State Winner serves as an ambassador for NSW during her reign, representing AgShows NSW, the RAS and her local show society at events and engagements throughout the year. An exchange program with Queensland Shows also enables the NSW State Winner to participate in Queensland’s State Final week.
State Finalists 2026
Zone 1
Kate Hepburn [Lismore]
Zone 2
Charlotte Moriarty [Blacktown]
Madison Luke [Hawkesbury]
Zone 3
Emily Greer [Crookwell]
Zone 4
Faith Green [Quirindi]
Louisa Gilmour [Warialda]
Zone 5
Taylee Short [Cessnock]
Bianca Evans [Stroud]
Zone 6
Eva Price [Blayney]
Libby Coles [Forbes]
Clair Stiff [Wellington]
Zone 7
Daneka Hatty [Ganmain]
Paige Sedgwick [Cootamundra]
Georgia Moody [Deniliquin]
Acciona Sydney Royal AgShows NSW 2026 Winners
The winner and runner up will be announced at Sydney Royal on Sunday 5th April 2026.
Past Winners
The winners of the most recent Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman of the Year Competitions are as follows:
- 2025 Winner - Cassandra Bush [Cootamundra]
- 2024 Winner - Domonique Wyse [Taree]
- 2024 Runner Up - Paris Capell [Orange]
- 2023 Winner - Florance McGufficke [Cooma]
- 2022 Winner - Molly Wright [Peak Hill]
- 2020* Winner - Jessica Neale [Cootamundra]
- 2019 Winner - Stephanie Clancy [Walbundrie]
- 2018 Winner, Nikki Gibbs [Wauchope]
- 2017 Maisie Morrow [Merriwa]
- 2016 Grace Eppelstun [Grenfell]
- 2015 Ellie Stephens [Lismore]
- 2014 Brodie Chester [Bega]
- 2013 Kennedy Tourle [Dubbo]
- 2012 Jasmine Nixon [Crookwell]
- 2011 Hilary Scott [Camden]
- 2010 Clare McDonald [Condobolin]
*Awarded at the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show due to the cancellation of the 2020 Show.