The town of Nyngan celebrated its country uniqueness recently when it held the annual Nyngan Show for 2024 on 5 & 6 May.

For a small town to hold a two-day show, is a credit to its organisers and all the many volunteers who keep the days ticking in the varied sections of the event.

The town literally stops for the second day, as it has been awarded a gazetted holiday which enables everyone who isn’t already volunteering at the show to put down tools and take a day out to applaud just what a talented and amazing community they live in.

From the shearing to the horse events, rodeo and cake decorating, from sheep counting to floral art, cooking to photography, artworks to dog jumping the Nyngan Show has it all and the town couldn’t be prouder.

Nyngan Show has always had a sterling reputation for its ability to put on a good show, and President of Nyngan Show Society Michael Kennedy was quick to sing its praise.

“It was shaping up to be a very wet Show this year but luckily the sun did come out, so thank you everyone that attended the Show and supported this great community event.”

“it was great to have Mathew Dickerson to open the Show. Mathew spoke on ‘Technology in Agriculture’, and it was very interesting to hear about our progression down. Through the years in technology and how it has impacted on our working and leisure lives,” said Mr. Kennedy.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Pat Cook and Mrs. Mary Lamph for their Life Membership awards and Mrs Jill Bootle for her RAS of NSW Agricultural Show’s award. Both awards are in recognition of their outstanding service that they have given to our society for many years.”

New Life members Pat Cook and Mary Lamph with Show Seccretary Kathy Korn and President Michael Kennedy

“Thanks to our wonderful hard working committee members, stewards, judges and volunteer, it would not be possible to run the show without you all. A big thank you to our sponsors, your generosity and support allows us to grow and expand.”

“To all the competitors who entered, thank you, we hope to see you all again next year,” Mr. Kennedy added.

A Prime lamb auction was held this year with $2280 raised for the Royal Doctor Service. Kerri Rothery, RFDS Primary Health Team leader spoke at the opening ceremony on the vital role RFDS plays in outback isolated areas, a service so many country people rely on.

Speed Shearing Competition

Most Successful Exhibitor in the Prime Lamb section was awarded to brothers Dominic and Jack Kennedy, with the Barclay, Hoare and Kennedy families donating for the charity auction.

The Grand Champion Fleece of the Year was awarded to “Tambau”, with Most Successful District Exhibitor as well as District, Commercial Fleece with Highest Commercial Value going to “Womboin”.

Competitors travel from all over for the Open Shear competition for the Chris Elder Memorial Trophy with this year’s winner Whanake Whare receiving the prize from Chris’s wife Jill Elder.

In the Senior Speed Shear, Nathan Doyle scored the first-place ribbon, while Intermediate winner was awarded to Morgan O’Keefe. Local section saw Matt Selfe go the fastest, while in the Women’s event Emma Billett fought off four other competitors to take the prize.

The Poultry Pavilion was overflowing with birds of all shapes and sizes, which fluffed the feathers of new stewards Amy Edwards, Matthew Bell and David Cleasby, who managed it with style. The Grand Champion Bird of the Show was awarded to the Provest family.

Judging in the Poultry Pavilion

Local outfitters Cameron’s Store provided a colourful range of kid’s clothes for the Fashion Parade, while Blue Illusion from Dubbo dazzled with stylish fashion, modelled by local ladies.

The baby, Tiny Tot and Junior Parade was hotly contested with mums and bubs hitting the catwalk. A very excited Isabella Antunovic take out junior girl and Deontai Wilson Junior Boy. The Miles family took out two awards in the 5 months to 2 years girls and Waverley Miles winning the 2-5 years section. Hudson Goddard was named boy baby winner with George Doughty Tiny Tot Boy winner.

The pavilion was overflowing with local school displays, photography, artworks, poetry, stories, home knitted clothes, cakes, flower decorations showcasing the myriad of talents from around the community. The coveted S.D.Wye Memorial Trophy for the Most Successful Exhibitor in the Wye Pavilion was awarded to Dot Hicks, much to her delight.

Isabella Antunovic Junior Girl Winner 

Dominique Sharpe took out Local Supreme horse and rider of the show, while Elijah Bush was named most successful under 17 years Show jump Rider. Lane Clarke received the 17 years and over title and Huntah Rope received a sash for best presented and mannered rider.

The Barrel racing pulled the crowd as always with young Charles Robb making the dust fly to take out the under 12’s title, while Payton Callaghan on Alvin claimed the 12 – 17 years prize. Open Barrel race was won by well-known and respected rider Jodie Kilmartin, as “The Dream Team”, Hayden Burley, Caitlyn Bunting, Brooke Bunting and Dimity Smith, gave the onlookers a thrilling couple of minutes to claim the Open Team Barrel Race for 2024.

Jess Bonello took home the award for the Working Station Horse in the 17 years and over time trial and to add to her success for the day Dominique Sharpe tagged 1st place for the under 17 years section.

The Dog High Jump saw Jack Carter with Harry accept the Small Dogs blue ribbon, while a hard-fought battle between David Galvin and Mack, and local tradie James Stanton and Opey resulted in a tie for first. Bruce Yabsley’s Snoop took out the highest jump for a working dog.

The Flat Chat Race had the crowd on their feet and Ruby owned by William Selfe showed girls are fast, even large dogs. While Harry brought it home for. The boys and his owner Jack Carter in the small dog race, with all dogs definitely owed big pats for the effort.

Local Ladies modelling Blue Illusion clothing from Dubbo 

The Pet Show had titles for smallest and largest dog, Most friendly dog, Best dresses dog, best rabbit, best bird, most unusual pet, cutest pet, ugliest pet, and best child handler. Which was sure to have had the judges scratching their heads. The local kids got into the spirit of the event with even a stuffed toy giraffe making an appearance.

Each year, local school students act as Stewards in various events as a way to give back to the community. The Geoffrey White Shield Competition was established as a way of rewarding the young stewards with this year’s Shield being awarded to Jasmine Bourke in the young adult’s section and Ava Cummins in the Junior Show Stewards.

With a tight tussle between Studs, the judges settled on Tambua Poll for Grand Champion Ewe and Mullungudgery Merino Stud for Grand Champion Ram. Junior Champion Ram went to Mullengudgery Merino Stud, and Wlgadale took out first and second in the Merino Flock Sheep Grand Champion.

Sheep counting is a hard-earned skill and this year saw a bevy of onlookers gather to watch, (and secretly count to see how good they are). Young Lily Tremain showed her quick mind and eye by taking out not only the Under 13 section but the Finals, to receive the sought-after shield. Hollie Smith scored the ribbon for the 13-17 years while Open ladies was a tie between Molly Smith and Eva Von Pein. The Open Men’s was awarded to Ethan Keating, and the crowd went home to practise for next year.

Local footy legend Cameron Bourke came to the table well prepared to take out the big kid’s pie eating competition, after years of after footy feeds and even with his hands tied behind his back, while young Charlie Gibson made a quick meal of his pie to be awarded first place amongst a field of hungry kids.

A huge highlight of Nyngan Show each year is the Rodeo with competitors flocking to take part and Cootamundra cowboy Cody Holston left nothing in the tank to take out this year’s event in a sensational manner, and the crowd cheered loudly for all the first-time cowboys and cowgirls getting out in the ring.

Mayor Glen Neill said once again Nyngan put on a great display for locals and visitors alike.

“The Nyngan Show is a major event on our annual calendar and a huge credit to it’s organisers. It is a perfect example of country spirit and provides locals with an opportunity to show off their skills and to celebrate Nyngan. Bogan Shire Council is happy to be a part of the event and to support our local community.”

The 2024 committee is already in planning for the 2025 event, although if success is measured in the opinion of attendees, then this mini show goer was happy.

“It was the best day of my life”, she said.