The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Skip to main content

The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman

The RAS is committed to engaging, educating and mentoring young people in agriculture through competitions and events with the aim to reinforce their passion for the industry and long-term association with the RAS. 

With a history dating back over 60 years, the Young Woman Competition is a prestigious event that celebrates the passion, dedication and leadership of young women in rural and regional NSW. Originally known as the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Miss Showgirl Competition, today the competition continues to play a significant role in the development of rural women and their communities. 

The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition is designed to identify and develop young women and strengthen their interviewing, presenting and networking skills to position them for meaningful impact within both their local show society and broader agricultural community.

More than just a title, it’s an opportunity to become an ambassador for local communities and society shows, showcasing the vibrant life of rural living.
    
Finalists all display great insight and knowledge about the very real issues facing rural NSW. They are deeply involved with their communities and are dedicated, confident and fitting ambassadors for their regions.

The RAS hosts up to 16 state finalists who won Local and Zone levels of competition. The finalists then compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in a 6-day program, with the winner announced after the public speaking showcase in the Showground Amphitheatre.

In 1962, twenty young female ambassadors entered the first Sydney Royal Easter Show's Miss Showgirl competition, as it was originally known, with hopes of representing their region and working as ambassadors for women throughout rural New South Wales. 

Today the competition continues to play a significant role in the development of rural women and their communities and boasts incredible support from its sponsors. 

The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows NSW Young Women all display great insight and knowledge about the very real issues facing rural NSW. They are deeply involved with their communities and are dedicated, confident and fitting ambassadors. 

Proudly sponsored by

  • Ag Shows NSW
  • Akubra
  • Birdsnest
  • The Land

2025 Uniform Partner

2025 Finalist

Phoebe Southwell | Kempsey Show (Zone 1)

Phoebe is currently completing a traineeship in Early childhood education with a passion for creating nurturing and illuminating environments to help children's growth and development. She has also completed multiple certificates and plans to study a Bachelor of education (k-12). Once Phoebe has completed the certificate lll in early childhood education, She will strive to further her impact on the younger generations growth and knowledge throughout their different stages. Phoebe is also involved in a community agriculture program called CultivateAg which is designed to help bridge the gap between school and the agricultural workforce, along with launching a subprogram to CultivateAg for primary school age students to providing exposure to agriculture before high school.

2025 Finalist

Summer Chaseling | Bangalow Show (Zone 1)

Summer Chaseling has a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, shaped by hands on experience and community involvement. She completed a Bachelor of Agribusiness at UNE and now works as a content creator at Wright Social, supporting agribusinesses and sharing their stories. Beyond work, Summer enjoys  horse riding, cattle showing, and gardening. She is actively involved in her community, assisting in the 2022 Lismore flood evacuation and clean-upand supporting initiatives like March On for veterans’ mental health. She has been a long-time member of the Summerland Dressage Club and previously initiated a program collecting rugby boots for children in Kenya. Summer looks forward to growing in her career, continuing her community involvement, and advocating for the future of Australian agriculture.

2025 Finalist

Bonnie Cox | Berry Show (Zone 2)

Bonnie grew up spending her youth competing with her family’s stud cattle and horses at agricultural shows. This igniting her passion for the industry and commitment to inspiring the next generation to explore careers in agriculture, helping bridge the gap between city and country. Bonnie works for AuctionsPlus while running her own Angus stud. She is dedicated to showcasing her genetics at agricultural shows, whist also focusing on young horse education under her stud’s banner. She serves as Chairman of the Angus Youth RoundUp Committee and is actively involved with Angus Australia, championing opportunities for young people. Bonnie is also committed to supporting veteran organisations, highlighting the challenges faced by retired service members as they transition back into civilian life.

2025 Finalist

Ellie Eather | Dapto Show (Zone 2)

Ellie is an Assistant Dock Master and Marine Science student at the University of Wollongong. Passionate about addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, she dedicates her time to conserving ocean and land ecosystems. Ellie has volunteered with Landcare, aiding sugar glider recovery after the 2019 bushfires, and at Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue, championing wildlife protection. A proud Young Endeavour Youth Scheme ambassador, she braved an 11-day voyage from Brisbane to Sydney in 2022, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. Ellie is also a talented musician, performing at local shows and sharing her love for music with her community. Her dedication to environmental conservation and community engagement reflects her commitment to making a positive impact.

2025 Finalist

Claire Liversidge | Goulburn Show (Zone 3)

Claire is a Sales Support Officer, currently working for Elders Real Estate in Goulburn. She is highly involved in her community, being a member of the Goulburn Show Society, assisting with the Young Woman & Junior Showgirl competitions and competing in the Young Farmers Challenge, representing NSW at a national level as well as the Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company as choreographer & performer. In her roles, she fosters the interests of young people, whether it be agriculture or the performing arts, and works to encourage them to nurture their interests into the future. She endeavours to continue to engage with her local community to promote the show movement and to build a network of like-minded people.

2025 Finalist

Emily Lucas – Cooma Show (Zone 3)

Emily Lucas is studying a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, focused on livestock reproduction and genetics. Growing up on her family's mixed farming enterprise in the NSW Snowy Mountains, Emily is an active member of the Cooma Show Society, Jockey Club, and Adaminaby Campdraft committee. Emily hopes to solidify herself within the agricultural industry post university, working towards bridging the gap between rural and urban Australia, while empowering other young women to become leaders within their community.

2025 Finalist

Chennelle Winsor | Gunnedah Show (Zone 4)

Chennelle is a young Gomeroi woman who has spent her time either on the back of a horse or working with cattle. She has worked tirelessly making her way through the ranks within the cattle industry, starting as a contract musterer to a station hand before working at her local Saleyards and now a pen rider. Chennelle has been chasing her dream of becoming a stock and station agent. Coming from rural areas, Chennelle is passionate about showcasing and advocating for fellow women within the agricultural field and aims to increase the number of women entering the agricultural workforce. She hopes that her young woman platform will strengthen and unite women to succeed in the agricultural environment. 

2025 Finalist

Claudia Williams | Narrabri Show (Zone 4)

After being fortunate enough to spent 2 years working and training with showjumpers in Europe and the USA, Claudia returned home in 2024 to begin her Bachelor of Nursing with a goal of specialising in Pediatric and Obstetric care. On completion of her studies Claudia plans to work to advocate for Rural Women’s Healthcare as well as volunteer her time assisting in the Healthcare sector of developing countries. Claudia enjoys spending her time volunteering at her local aged care facility, taking her miniature horse in to visit the residents. Claudia is most looking forward to building long lasting friendships with like-minded women and using her platform to advocate for issues that are close to her heart. 

2025 Finalist

Eloise Haigh | Upper Hunter Show (Zone 5)

Eloise is a Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator and Natural Capital Advisor with Hunter Local Land Services, providing agricultural extension services to producers. Eloise is passionate about Australian agriculture and works closely with her local farming communities. Outside of work, Eloise is involved in her community through her involvement with the Scone Netball Club, the Upper Hunter Show Society, and through volunteering at a range of community events. Eloise’s passion for her community and agriculture drove her to enter the competition and she hopes to inspire local youth to embrace opportunities in agriculture, showcase her local community and to network with other likeminded young women from regional communities. 

2025 Finalist

Ninoska Birchall | Mudgee Show (Zone 5)

Ninoska (Nino) is a driven, community-minded young woman studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University. Born and raised in Mudgee, she is heavily involved in the Mudgee Show as a Junior Vice President, Youth Events Coordinator and exhibitor. She also serves as a Vice President of the Charles Sturt Wine Society and is an active member of the Mudgee Poultry Club. Nino is an artist with a focus on pet portraiture and has interests in agricultural shows and travel. Nino aims to become a mixed practice veterinarian and a RAS of NSW Veterinarian. She is passionate about preserving show traditions while embracing new ideas to keep them relevant and encourage others to get involved.

2025 Finalist

Isabel Smith | Bathurst Show (Zone 6)

Isabel is a Silviculture Supervisor for the Forestry Corporation of NSW in Bathurst, overseeing the aerial herbicide operations across the district. Committed to the future of forestry, firefighting, and sustainable land management, Isabel is passionate about empowering the next generation of rural leaders, particularly young women in agriculture. As a volunteer mentor for the 2025 & 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, she champions peer-led initiatives that build confidence and skills among emerging professionals in regional communities. Isabel is a devoted supporter of local agricultural shows, seeing them as vital gatherings that celebrate the innovation, resilience, and the accomplishments of rural communities.

2025 Finalist

Sophie Cargill | Dubbo Show (Zone 6)

Sophie is an outgoing young professional working as a physiotherapist at Dubbo Hospital. In her role, she helps individuals improve their mobility and assists them in returning home. Sophie is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for individuals living in regional NSW, and she hopes to improve access to allied health services in rural areas. Sophie grew up on her family’s beef cattle and meat sheep farm in Braidwood, NSW. These early experiences sparked her passion for agriculture. Sophie believes that agricultural shows play a vital role in advocating for agriculture and uniting communities. Through her involvement in the Dubbo Show and the Young Woman Competition, Sophie hopes to expand her network and advocate for regional NSW. 

2025 Finalist

Tessa Parry | Coonamble Show (Zone 6)

Tessa lives in her hometown of Coonamble, working as a caseworker while completing her studies in Clinical Psychology. She is an active member of the Coonamble Show Society, Domestic Violence Collective, and Amateur Theatre Society. Passionate about rural community life, she enthusiastically encourages young people to create fulfilling lives in small towns. Tessa founded the Coonamble Run Club, enjoys her sport and creative interests, and loves bringing people together for social events, whether it is dinner with friends, the local Show, or organising a community ball. As a psychologist, Tessa hopes to improve rural mental health access in agricultural communities. She has loved every minute of her Young Woman experience, connecting with and learning from likeminded ladies from across NSW.

2025 Finalist

Brianna Pilon | Weethalle Show (Zone 7)

Brianna is a primary school teacher at St Francis Xavier School in Lake Cargelligo, graduating in 2024 with a Bachelor of Education and an Honours offer. Growing up, she assisted her father, stewarding poultry, at the local Agricultural Show and now serves as a Pickles and Preserves Steward. She is actively involved in her community as a member of both Weethalle and Lake Cargelligo Show Societies, as well as through farming, sports, and local events. Passionate about education, rural farming, and networking, Brianna sees the competition as an opportunity to represent her community while growing personally and professionally. She looks forward to connecting with like-minded people who will inspire and support her in empowering the next generation’s involvement in agriculture and rural communities.

2025 Finalist

Cassandra Bush | Cootamundra Show (Zone 7)

Cassandra grew up on her family's Hereford cattle stud and mixed grazing property in Cootamundra, NSW. In 2024, Cassandra graduated with a double degree in Agriculture and Law from the University of New England and is currently working as an Associate Lawyer in a Commercial law firm in Sydney, specialising in the Catastrophic Injury and Large Loss Insurance sector. Cassandra hopes to further develop and enhance her professional legal skills in her current role with the aspiration to return to rural New South Wales, to start her own Hereford cattle operation and farming enterprise, and establish her own rural legal practice.

Judging at a local level takes place throughout the year at each of the participating local Show Societies with the judging for Zone Finals being conducted in February/March of each year and the State Final during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Judging Information

The contestants are judged on personality, confidence, ambition and life goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech. Finalists are also asked to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and current affairs and apart from their potential ambassadorial qualities, contestants are also judged on their involvement in and experience of rural affairs.

These prerequisites have not changed since the inception of the Showgirl competition in 1962, as the value of these skills has not diminished. The contestants continue to be young rural women with purpose and ambition. 

The winner of each local Show Society is selected by a panel of three judges and remains the representative until the next year’s Show. She performs various tasks which could include opening a Show, public speaking throughout the year, presenting prizes for winners in agricultural events etc.

Each local Show Society is a member of one of fourteen groups. Two groups combine to form one of seven Zones that make up the NSW area.  In February/March of each year, Zone Finals are held in which each of the Zones select, from all the winners put forward by each of the individual Societies, a representative for the State Final.

The number of representatives a Zone can have is based on the total number of entrants:  if 1 - 10 Zone Finalists then a Zone can have one (1) State Final representative; 11 - 17 Zone Finalists then two (2) State Final representatives; Zones' 6 & 7 will have the opportunity to have 3 State Final Representatives of the receive more than 17 Zone Finalists.  The judges for the Zone Finals are provided by the ASC.

The State Final for the Competition is conducted by the RAS at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and usually has 16 entrants. Judges are nominated by the RAS with the judging being conducted over a four day period.

The winners of the most recent Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman of the Year Competitions are as follows:

  • 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.

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