THE BEST OF COOTAMUNDRA ON EXHIBIT AT THE 2026 SHOW
Monday, 19 October 2026
The Cootamundra Show was held last weekend with great support from the community, lots of impressive entries, and a packed line-up of entertainment.
This year’s show included livestock, pavilion exhibits, equestrian events, trade displays, entertainment, and family activities, welcoming visitors from all over the region.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke thanked the Cootamundra Show Society, exhibitors, volunteers, and competitors for helping make the show a success once again.
“These Shows are so important to our communities, they are a way for conversations to start, advice to be given and for the best of the best to go up against each other in a friendly and supportive way,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke acknowledged the hard work of the Cootamundra Show Society and thanked the wider community for their support.
“To President Darren Absolon, Secretary Heather Bush, Treasurer Jeremy Taylor and the whole committee, I say thank you,” Ms Cooke said.
“This event would not be possible without the dedication of the committee and volunteers who support the show year after year.”
Ms Cooke also congratulated Stephanie Davies, who won the 2026 Young Woman Competition and will now represent Cootamundra at the Zone level.
She also praised everyone who took part in the Young Woman, Junior Showgirl, and Master Stockmen competitions for their leadership and support of rural communities.
“It was fantastic to see the strong participation from young people across the various competitions and sections,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Young Woman Competition continues to recognise and encourage leadership for rural and regional NSW. Congratulations to Stephanie, and to all entrants who represented their community with so much pride.”
Cootamundra Show Society president Darren Absolon said that while they were still counting the final attendance, visitor numbers were as good as, or even better than, previous years.
“I’ve already had people comment that they haven’t seen it all, so I’m taking that as the entertainment was good,” Darren said.
“The weather was definitely on our side, and we had a great amount of entrants for the Young Woman, Junior Showgirl and Master Stockmen competitions, which was fantastic.”
Darren also welcomed some new additions to the show program, like Team Sorting and the Albion Hotel marquee bar.
“The Team Sorting was a big hit,” he said. “Thank you to Darren and Allie Crouch who provided the transport.”
Darren said the fireworks drew a big crowd and were a great way to end the event. He thanked ACT Fireworks for putting on a wonderful show.
With the Show season coming to a close, Ms Cooke underscored the positive impact these events have on towns and villages throughout the Cootamundra electorate.
“Events like the Cootamundra Show not just celebrate our agricultural strengths but provide an important boost to local businesses and community organisations,” Ms Cooke said.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s show. I look forward to seeing the event continue to grow and build on its proud history for many years to come.”
