AgShows NSW 2026 Awards
- Living Legend – Finalists: John and Mary Tout (Young), June Roots OAM (Luddenham), Jackie Millward (Wagga Wagga) Winner: David Williams OAM (Singleton)
- Rising Star – Finalists: Kate Stinson (Picton), Charlie Coddington (Bribbaree), Robert Hain (Cooma) Winner: Imogen Clarke (Nowra)
- Innovation Award Future Focused – Finalists: Nowra, Yeoval, Cessnock Winner: Nimbin
- Community Resilience and Recovery – Finalists: Sofala, Bombala, Taree Winner: Kempsey
- Outstanding Teacher – Finalists: Trevor Dawson, Sarah Eyb, Carolyn Baker Winner: Lauren Amor
AgShows NSW Office Bearers 2026-2027
President – Jody Nelson-Gleeson
Vice Presidents – Hugh Southwell and Catriona McAuliffe
Honorary Secretary – David Peters
Honorary Treasurer – Brett Kenworthy
Immediate Past President – Jill Chapman
Celebrating Ag Shows 2026 Connects Show Communities Across NSW
AgShows NSW’s online Celebrating Ag Shows 2026 conference brought together hundreds of Show volunteers and members from across New South Wales for an afternoon of professional development, networking and celebration.
A standout feature was the introduction of Watch Parties, where local Show societies gathered to participate together, creating a shared conference experience while strengthening regional connections. The concept proved highly successful and received excellent feedback from participants.
The program featured presentations on governance, risk management, volunteer engagement and education, along with the crowd-favourite Great Debate – High Tech v Heritage, which explored the balance between innovation and tradition in Agricultural Shows.
The conference was officially opened by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Patron of AgShows NSW, with a message of support from Vice Patron, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC.
AgShows NSW extends its thanks to the presenters, sponsors, debate teams, volunteers, production partners and all attendees who contributed to the success of the event, demonstrating the strength of collaboration across the Show movement.
Congratulations to Sue Hood OAM
Congratulations to Sue Hood, Director of AgShows NSW, on receiving a well-deserved honour in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Sue’s decades of dedication to agricultural shows, young people and the broader show movement have made a lasting impact across New South Wales and beyond. Her commitment, leadership and passion have strengthened the agricultural show community, making this recognition a fitting tribute to her outstanding service.
We congratulate Sue on this significant achievement.
AgShows NSW 2026 School Auctioneers State Final
The AgShows NSW 2026 School Auctioneers State Final was held live from the Ganmain Sports Club on Saturday 20 June, showcasing the remarkable talent, confidence and auctioneering skills of six outstanding students from across the Riverina.
Competing for the opportunity to progress to the Open and Novice Classes of the AgShows NSW School Auctioneers Competition, the students demonstrated professionalism, composure and a passion for agriculture and rural communities.
Congratulations to Lucy Godbolt, Harry Hiscock, Hudson Roberts, Tom Reynolds, Indigo Dawson and Isaac Bennetts on their outstanding performances.
A special congratulations goes to Harry Hiscock from St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, who was named Novice Section Winner, and Indigo Dawson from The Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, who claimed the Open Section Winner title. Both students impressed the judges with their confidence, professionalism and outstanding auctioneering ability.
AgShows NSW also congratulates St Paul’s College, Walla Walla, The Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, and Wagga Wagga Christian School for their continued support of this valuable program, which is helping to develop the next generation of auctioneers and rural leaders.
NSW’s Best Prepare for the National Stage
AgShows NSW recently hosted its annual Young Judges and Paraders Development Weekend in Dubbo, bringing together the talented young competitors who will represent New South Wales at the National Championships during the EKKA in Queensland this August.
The weekend focused on developing practical judging and parading skills, building confidence, and preparing competitors for the high standard of national competition. Through mentoring, coaching and hands-on practice, participants had the opportunity to refine their techniques while learning from experienced industry leaders.
The NSW team travelling to Brisbane includes:
- Beef Cattle Paraders: Isabella Pearce
- Beef Cattle Young Judges: Matilda Cronin
- Dairy Cattle Paraders: Alexis Allen
- Dairy Cattle Young Judges: Molly Klasen
- Grain Young Judges: Zachary Charlton
- Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judges: Brendan Mitchell
- Merino Fleece Young Judges: Jocelyn Cafe
- Merino Sheep Young Judges: Angus Knox
- Poultry Young Judges: Bryson Lee
AgShows NSW congratulates each of these outstanding young competitors on their selection to represent NSW. Their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to developing their skills reflects the bright future of our agricultural show movement and the livestock industries.
We wish our NSW representatives every success as they compete against the nation’s best at the EKKA and look forward to seeing them proudly represent NSW on the national stage.