What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to become a state finalist for The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition?

Tessa Parry from Coonamble set a glowing example of what it means to be a dedicated community member passionate about representing and contributing to her town when she was selected as a Zone 6 Finalist at the NSW Young Woman competition on 8 March. 

She will now go on to compete in the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. 

Eighteen young women from the Western and Central Zone met up for the Zone Final in Dubbo, with four from the western plains including: 

• Maddison Hack from Bourke
• Lucy Kirk from Condobolin 
• Tahlee-Rose Duffy from Gilgandra
• Maygen Wood from Narromine

The day starts with an interview for all the participants, followed by a formal lunch, and later a gala dinner with all their supporters. 

This year, the event was hosted by Dubbo Show Society and held at Rhino Lodge near Dubbo's Taronga Plains

"I like public speaking and was excited to do it, but my body still betrayed me. My voice was wobbling," Tessa said. 

"You can't get away from the nerves as much as you might feel comfortable with it." 

Tessa's parents, Kylie and Scott Parry, her boyfriend Ben Grant, and Coonamble Show Society President Brendan O'Connor with Lee and Angie O'Connor accompanied Tessa on the big night.

 Tessa Parry with her supporters.

Tessa said she read the local paper, Sydney Morning Herald, the Land, and other newspapers to keep up to date with current affairs and feel prepared for any question the jury may swing her way. 

She also spoke with community members to represent the topics that lay close to their hearts well. 

"I think it’s really important to reflect on the great things  you can do as a young woman in a rural community and that helps develop your sense of self." 

Tessa is one of three young women selected to progress to the state finals.

She will be joined by Isobel Smith (Bathurst) and Sophie Cargill (Dubbo).

Tessa said that through the Young Woman competition, she met and made friends with other like-minded women. 

"The people you meet through this experience are incredible. Everyone told me how amazing it would but I still underestimated how lovely it would be to make connections with so many fabulous women from all over the state." 

She joined the Coonamble Show Society after returning to Coonamble in 2024 following her studies. 

"I spontaneously joined my parents for a meeting one night and I loved it ever since," Tessa said. 

Being part of the show, has also always been a way of life for Condobolin contestant Lucy Kirk who was the junior Show Girl in 2007. 

"It was always something that I liked to have a go at. I've had some really good mentors." 

She also agreed that the competition was very tough this year. 

"Everyone is so intelligent. I met a lot of them through the competition and made some really good friends." 

A large contingent from Condobolin were on hand to support their candidate.

Lucy Kirk's family, friends and Show Society members were out in force at the Dubbo event.

 The Young Woman competition is open for all ladies 18 to 25. However, entrants have to be 25 and under at the time of the Royal Easter Show in Sydney next year in April.

"I would encourage anyone involved in their local community to participate," Tessa said.

"It doesn't matter how you are involved as long as you are authentic. They're not looking for a cookie-cutter fit. What matters is how true to yourself you are."