Wee Waa’s Senior Young Woman Competition representative Amelia Kiem and Narrabri’s Junior Young Woman ambassador Beth Faris recently travelled to Dubbo for a development workshop.
“It was a two-day workshop that involved sessions run by last year’s Sydney Royal Young Woman Finalists,” explained Amelia.
“From networking to etiquette to interview practice – every session held was valuable.”
The Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition, formerly the Miss Showgirl Competition, celebrates more than 60 years of empowering young women in rural and regional NSW.
The flagship program recognises leadership, community spirit, and a passion for agriculture, helping participants build skills in communication, presentation, and networking.
Amelia was named the 2025 Wee Waa Young Woman of the Year at last year’s show, and the Wee Waa High School graduate is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at The University of Newcastle. She previously told The Courier she had plans to return to her much-loved hometown to work at a local primary school and continue to be involved in the community through sport and volunteering.
Twenty-one-year-old Amelia described the workshop as “one of the greatest experiences” for personal and professional growth.
“The highlight for me was the dinner on Saturday night where we were able to mingle with other girls who will be at the Zone final, making it not so daunting.,” she said.
“We were able to meet people from near and far and connect with like-minded young women,” she said.
“I never would have had the opportunity to meet these young women otherwise, so I found this part of the experience so incredible and eye opening.”
Amelia said she will head to Warialda for the Zone 4 Final on February 7.
“Thirteen girls all around our zone will participate in an interview during the day, a judging lunch and a formal dinner at Warialda town hall, where we will be asked a few impromptu public speaking questions.
“From here, two girls will be chosen to represent our Zone at Sydney Royal this year.”
Amelia said she felt “absolutely honoured to be representing Wee Waa this year”.
“Thank you to Gary (Hibbens), Kristy Lee (Bonney) and the wider show society for making this possible.
“I feel grateful that my town has forged this experience for me.”
While the Dubbo workshop was primarily designed to help the competition’s senior participants prepare for the upcoming Zone finals, Narrabri Show Society’s Junior Young Woman ambassador Beth Faris jumped at the chance to be part of the weekend.
At just 16-years-old Beth is too young to progress to Zone, however, she was happy to represent Narrabri at the workshop and soaked up the opportunity to learn and connecting with other young rural ambassadors.
Reflecting on the weekend, Beth told The Courier: “One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to interact with the 2025 State Young Woman finalists.
“Hearing directly from them and learning from their experiences was incredibly helpful, as they had recently been in the same position and were able to share practical advice and honest insights about the process.
“The opportunity to speak with others involved in the program made the weekend feel motivating and reassuring, and it was great to be surrounded by people who share similar interests in community involvement and leadership, making connections from all the different zones.
“Although I attended the workshop in a representative role for the weekend, the experience has given me a strong foundation for the future.
“I’ve gained skills and insights that will be very valuable when I return to the Young Woman program in the senior section in a few years’ time but also for future interview/applications for jobs and university.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the Young Woman initiative and to represent Narrabri Show Society.
“The program is about much more than a competition — it builds confidence, leadership, and communication skills, while also giving young women a pathway to engage with the agricultural industry and their local communities.
“It’s the perfect way to make community connections you didn’t know existed and learn skills that will stay with you well beyond the program.”
Beth wished both senior entrants for Wee Waa and Narrabri – Amelia Kiem and Lana Parkes – the best of luck at the Zone finals.
The Young Woman initiative held a development workshop in Dubbo recently and it was a great opportunity for young rural ambassadors to network with other representatives from the region.
