2024 Young Woman Of The Year Sophie Grainger.
With just eight weeks to go, anticipation is building across the Hilltops region for one of the community’s most beloved events, the Young Show, returning to the Young Showgrounds on Sunday, September 21. From livestock and pavilions to tractors, motorbikes, fireworks (8 pm Sunday), and a new working dog trial, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
At the heart of the action is Emma Godsell, President of the Young Show Society and a long-time contributor to the event. For Emma and the all-volunteer committee, the months of preparation are beginning to bear fruit.
“Planning is going as well as it does every year,” Emma said with a laugh. “Our committee really enjoys what they do, so they’re always on the ball. We’ve had great support from sponsors this year, which is helping us bring in some fresh ideas and make the show even more exciting for families.”
Emma’s involvement began when she competed in the Showgirl competition, now known as the Young Woman competition, in 2018. Since then, she’s taken on more responsibility and is now leading the charge into her third show as President. “It’s all volunteer-run,” she emphasised. “People don’t realise just how much work goes into putting the show on for one weekend. It’s more than six months of planning, meetings, organising, booking, and building; it takes a dedicated team.” That team is sizeable, even if not everyone is visible at the regular meetings.
“We’ve got between 20 and 30 people involved in organising and stewarding, and that’s just the core crew. Then we have even more volunteers who pitch in closer to the day. Everyone wants to see the show succeed, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Among the stand-out additions to this year’s show is the inaugural Working Dog Trial, a fully sanctioned competition that replaces the demonstrations held in previous years. “This is the first time we’ve held a trial rather than just a demonstration,” Emma explained.
“Anyone involved in the Yard Dog Association can enter. It brings a whole new level of excitement and professionalism to that area of the show.”
Returning favourites include the truck, car, and motorbike show, the tractor pull and of course the popular livestock displays, featuring cattle, sheep and the full pavilion of crafts and cooking.
“Our pavilion is one of the most diverse parts of the show. There are over a dozen sections from needlework to painting to photography, and of course, cake after cake after cake,” Emma said with a smile. “Every year there’s someone new who gives it a go, and we love seeing that participation.”
One of the corner-stones of the Young Show is its wide range of competitions, many of which are designed to encourage young people to get involved in community life. The **Young Woman** and **Junior Young Woman** competitions, once known collectively as the Showgirl competition, have evolved to reflect modern values and a broader focus.
“The competition has been evolving since it started in the 1960s, but the name officially changed around 2019 or 2020,” Emma said. “Now, it’s about recognising young women for who they are, what they’re doing in the community, and where they want to go. It’s not about who can walk in heels. It’s about who you are as a person.
The Junior Young Woman program is aimed at high school students and helps develop life skills. “For juniors, it’s a great stepping stone,” Emma explained. “They get experience in interviews, public speaking, and meeting new people, all in a really supportive environment. Some of our juniors have gone on to get jobs from the connections they’ve made through the show. It opens their eyes to what’s out there beyond school.”
For young men and women aged 20 to 29, there’s the Rural Ambassador program, a Group 10-wide initiative that celebrates involvement in agriculture, community, and rural life. “It’s similar to the Young Woman competition, just with a slightly older age bracket and open to men as well,” Emma said. “Some participants are already heavily involved in the community, while others might just be starting out. This gives them a foot in the door.”
Beyond the competitions and displays, Emma says what keeps her coming back is the impact the show has on the people of Young. “I do it because I love seeing how much joy it brings,” she said. “Last year, I remember seeing someone who turned up at 10 am just planning to pop in for a few hours. He was still there at 8pm with his kids, watching the fireworks. That’s what makes it worth it, seeing people connect and stay all day because they’re having such a good time.”
The firework display is back this year, lighting up the sky at 8 pm on Sunday, marking the grand finale of the show. “The team that runs it are professionals, and they always put on a great display. That’s why we keep bringing them back,” Emma added.
Emma and the rest of the committee are proud of the role the Young Show plays in the local community. More than just an event, it’s a celebration of rural life, local talent, and the power of community spirit. “We say all the time, ‘If you can’t see it and touch it, you don’t know it’s there,’” she said. “That’s what makes the show so important. Kids get to see sheep and tractors up close. Teenagers get to try competitions they might not otherwise consider. Adults reconnect with old friends. It’s just one of those days where the whole town comes together.”
– Kellie Stanfield
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
