YOUNG CELEBRATES 152ND SHOW
Monday, 21 September 2026
The Young Showground was the place to be on Sunday, 20 September, 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 was a record-breaking day, with two records broken, the highest number of school entries ever recorded in the pavilion and a record turnout for the ever-popular Tractor Pull.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined locals for the festivities and officially opened this year’s Show.
“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 of the young women who participated.
“I congratulate all these ladies on stepping up and entering the Young Woman competition,” Ms Cooke said.
Young Show President Emma Godsell thanked the committee and volunteers for their tireless work in bringing the event together.
“The committee work hard to make sure that it all gets done,” Ms Godsell said.
“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 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.
“The volunteers who organise and run these events deserve enormous recognition,” Ms Cooke said.
“Their dedication ensures these events continue to thrive and remain an important part of regional life for future generations.”
“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.”
The 152nd SWS Bank Young Show once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and community spirit of Young, bringing together families, businesses, exhibitors and visitors for a celebration of the region and its people.
