The countdown is on for Wee Waa Show

The countdown is on with the Wee Waa Show weekend kicking off on Friday, August 25.

It’s one of the district’s most popular events and this year’s theme is ‘Together is Better’, celebrating the power of community and the wonderful things that can be achieved when people work together.

Attendees will find old favourites and new attractions at the showground, from beautiful flower and photo exhibits in the pavilion, the hot contested baking contests to the baby show, pet show and Wee Waa’s Got Talent competition – there’s something for everyone.

One of the highlights is the announcement of the Young Woman of the Year winners on Friday night.

Formerly known as the Showgirl competition, the popular youth development program has undergone a name change recently to better reflect the spirit of the event in honouring young rural women and to ensure the relevance of the competition well into the future.

Former Wee Waa Young Woman of the Year and steward Georgia Dickinson said she has received “some great feedback from the judges regarding the diversity and individuality of each of the girls”.

“They all interviewed very well and should all be very proud of themselves for their accomplishments and dedication to their community.

“While the Young Woman Competition has seen smaller entrant numbers in recent years both in Wee Waa and the Ag Shows of surrounding areas, the competition is a beneficial opportunity for so many young rural women.

“It builds self-esteem, teaches public speaking skills, personal presentation skills and interview processes.

“It also allows them to form awareness about and express perspectives on local and national issues, and is such a great opportunity for networking both in their local community and beyond.

“It’s great to have initiatives like this available in communities like Wee Waa and I’m always very proud of the girls who step up each year to take part in the competition.

“I’d like to say thank you to the girls, judges and sponsors for their support.”

This year’s junior and senior entrants include:

Josie Galagher (Junior)

Josie is a Wee Waa local and current Year 12 student at Wee Waa High School. Josie has a strong interest in agriculture and animal science, and is also an accomplished horse rider, representing Pony Club NSW Zone 5 at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. She has been involved in local groups and events such as the Wee Waa Pony Club and the Show for a number of years.

Josie has always taken up opportunities for community involvement through school and she aims to study Animal Science at UNE Armidale after finishing Year 12.

Josie aims to gain valuable life skills out of entering the Young Woman Competition such as interviewing, public speaking and presentation skills.

Hayley Jenkins (Junior)

Hayley is a Year 10 student at Wee Waa High School and is preparing to undertake a school based traineeship with TAFE through All Pets Veterinary Narrabri.

Alongside her studies, Hayley enjoys playing netball and football and supports the Narrabri Blue Boars. Hayley’s commitment extends to helping out on her family’s farm and to community events where she lends a hand working with a local catering company.

Hayley has been involved with the show through school and has participated in the Wee Waa High School Cattle Show Team.

By running in the Young Woman Competition, Hayley would like to connect more with her local community and develop valuable personal skills.

Emma Holmes (Senior)

Emma is a Wee Waa local and is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture remotely through .

Emma works at local company Crop Capsules and has a strong interest in the cotton industry. Emma plans to become an agronomist after completing her degree, and wants to return to Wee Waa in hopes that she can promote further education in the agricultural field, particularly amongst young women.

Emma has been involved in many areas of the community, helping with flood relief packages, school fetes and attending events such as ANZAC Day marches and Clean Up Australia Day.

Emma believes entering the Young Woman Competition will give her an opportunity to become more involved with her local show and refine her skills in interviewing, presentation, public speaking and networking.

Montana Winter (Senior)

Completing her studies at Wee Waa High School in 2022, Montana currently works in the local earthmoving industry with RSA Contractors.

Studying for her Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations externally through TAFE, Montana hopes to eventually take on her family’s earthmoving business, and has a passion for encouraging young women to take interest in the earthmoving and civil construction industry.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Montana extends her impact into her community.

As well as being an active volunteer with Riding Develops Ability and local nursing homes, Montana has worked at Wee Waa Nurruby OOSH and often babysits for families in the community.

Montana sees the Young Woman Competition as a great opportunity to build self-confidence, develop and refine her personal skills, and believes the competition is a great initiative to encourage community involvement.