IT was a showstopper weekend in Wee Waa, with the town’s 90th show kicking off on Friday.
A highlight of the popular community event is always the announcement of the Young Woman of the Year winners on Friday night.
This year, Wee Waa’s Mackenzie Jones was crowned the Senior Young Woman of the Year winner and Spring Plains’ Zoe Pocock was named Junior winner.
Montana Winter was named Senior Young Woman runner-up and Elly-May Johns the Junior Young Woman runner-up.
Young Woman competition steward Nikita Hessel praised all the entrants for proudly representing the Wee Waa district and supporting their local show by taking part in the competition.
Nikita was joined on stage by 2025 Young Woman of the Year winner Amelia Kiem, who announced the winners and shared a fantastic snapshot of the competition experience, encouraging other locals to throw their hats in the ring and apply next year.
Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens officially opened the show, with Wee Waa Show Society’s president Gary Hibbens hosting the official proceedings.
Gary announced Susanne Kable and John Burgess as Wee Waa Show Society life members, recognising years of invaluable commitment.
Expressing a huge amount of gratitude to the attendees, generous sponsors, stewards, volunteers and his dedicated committee, Gary thanked everyone who made the Wee Waa Show a successful weekend.
“The Wee Waa Show would simply not be possible without the countless hours of work that go on behind the scenes throughout the year,” he said.
Gary said the show was an opportunity to celebrate the strong agricultural heritage and community spirit that make Wee Waa such a special place.
“On behalf of the Wee Waa Show Society, I would like to warmly welcome everyone attending this year’s show and thank you for being part of such a significant milestone.
“Reaching 90 years is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and community spirit that has kept our show strong for generations.
“Firstly, congratulations to all exhibitors and competitors across every section of the show. Whether you are competing in the pavilion, livestock, horse events, or simply displaying your hard work and talents, your support is what makes our show what it is.
“The standard of entries continues to impress year after year and showcases the strength and pride of our local communities.
“As we celebrate this remarkable 90-year milestone, we also reflect on the many people who have contributed to the success of the Wee Waa Show over the decades.
“Their hard work and vision have created a lasting legacy that we are proud to continue today.
“I hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable 90th Annual Wee Waa Show.”
Gary also encouraged the next generation to get involved in their local show.
Young Woman of the Year winner Mackenzie Jones and her fellow entrants are shining examples of bright, young Wee Waarians having fun while stepping up to support the show.
“I’d like to congratulate our Senior Young Woman runner-up, Montana, as well as our Junior Young Woman winner Zoe and runner-up Elly-May,” said Mackenzie during her acceptance speech.
“It has been wonderful sharing this experience with you, and each of you is incredibly deserving of the recognition you’ve received.
“I think the calibre of young women involved in this competition is a wonderful reflection of the young people we have within our community.
“I’d also like to thank our judges, Ali, Katie and Darrell, and the Young Woman committee for putting together such a wonderful competition.
“From the luncheon through to the cocktail evening, it has been such an enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to meet and connect with people within our community.
“And a special thank you to our previous winner Amelia, it’s great to hear how this experience has impacted you and how enjoyable you have found it to be.”
Mackenzie thanked the wider Wee Waa Show committee, volunteers and sponsors: “An enormous amount of work goes into putting together our show each year and without people continuing to give their time and support, events like this wouldn’t happen.
“On a personal note, thank you to my family and friends; your unwavering support in everything that I do and hope to achieve is incredible.
“Growing up in a town like Wee Waa teaches you quickly just how important community is. Rural communities have a unique way of shaping the people who grow up within them.
“In Wee Waa, you see that through our schools and sporting clubs, agricultural and local businesses, the show, and many more community groups that rely on people that are simply willing to put their hand up, help and give things a go.
“I think the Young Woman competition reflects that. While there is obviously a competition involved, its significance extends well beyond winning a title.
“It gives rural young women the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, build confidence and develop skills in public speaking, interviewing and communication, while creating connections.
“Growing up in a rural setting can sometimes mean we don’t have every opportunity at our doorstep, and if we don’t, we create it.
“Our communities give us things that are much harder to teach; the confidence to have a conversation with just about anyone, the willingness to get involved and an appreciation for those around us.
“Being from a small community doesn’t limit us, but it prepares us.
“I know many of the opportunities that I’ve had and much of the person I’ve become have stemmed from growing up here and aspiring to be a future teacher and giving back to my community is a direct reflection of that.
“I’m incredibly grateful to now have the opportunity to continue representing Wee Waa as this year’s Senior Young Woman over the next 12 months.
“So once again, thank you to everyone who has made this competition and the Wee Waa Show possible.
“I’m very proud to call Wee Waa home, and even prouder to have the opportunity to represent it.”
The Wee Waa Show had an action-packed schedule, from the sensational sideshow alley and hotly contested siphon pipe competition to horse events, cattle judging, a giant fishing demo tank, the iconic lolly drop and, always a standout, the local brilliance and creativity on display in the pavilion.
More photos and reports from the spectacular 2026 Wee Waa Show will feature in next week’s edition, including the baby show and pet competition.
