MOREE Show Young Woman Initiative entrants Laura Penfold and Millie Hobday were officially introduced to judges and guests at a special meet-and-greet at Maslina Restaurant last week.

Members of the Moree community came together to recognise the Young Woman initiative and to celebrate this year’s local entrants.

Millie Hobday, a 20-year-old beauty therapist at Beauty Matters Moree, loves her career. She also works two nights a week at the Racecourse Takeaway.

“I love what I do,” Millie smiled.

“I get to meet new people and make connections within our community.”

Millie was born-and-raised in Moree and competed all her schooling locally. She attended Moree Public School before finishing her senior years at Moree Secondary College.

Millie said she has always wanted to enter the Moree Show Young Woman Initiative – and felt now was the time.

“I’ve been wanting to enter for a few years now, but haven’t had the courage. This year I thought, let’s give it a go,” she grinned.

“I entered the competition as it’s a great opportunity for young women like myself to engage with the community, and to expand my knowledge about the importance of rural communities in the district.

“The Young Woman Initiative also gives the opportunity to meet other people with the same interests as me,” she said.

Millie said the Moree Show is an important event for townsfolk, as well as farmers, graziers and land-holders from across the district.

“Because Moree is so very much agriculture-based, the Moree show attracts a lot of interest and attention. It showcases the wide diversity the agricultural sector in Moree has to offer,” she said.

Millie is well-known locally as an exceptional photographer, and will again have images displayed in the Hobson Pavilion at this week’s Moree Show.

“My hobby is photography, and I love it,” Millie said.

“Because I work full-time, I don’t get a lot of time to take photos, but when the Moree Show comes around, I take photos to enter.

“I love this about the local show – all the art, cooking, photography and farming exhibits are my favourites. They allow the community to get involved and support the show,” she said.

Laura Penfold has also lived in Moree all her life and, Like Millie, graduated Year 12 at Moree Secondary College.

She currently works full-time at Statewide Aviation as well as nights at the Qantas terminal at Moree Regional Airport.

Laura, 21, hopes by entering the Moree Young Woman Initiative, she can become an ambassador for Moree and young women in rural New South Wales.

“I want to broaden my knowledge even more about local and rural issues, as well as network with like-minded people,” Laura said.

“My favourite part of the Moree Show would definitely have to be the fresh produce that people grow in their backyard. It’s amazing what our rich soil can produce.

“Moree’s annual show serves as a central gathering for social interaction and to celebrate the local agricultural heritage,” she said.

“The Moree Show is a chance for the community to get together to showcase produce, livestock and everything produced around the area, and provides social and economic benefits for our regional community and the agriculture industry.”

Outside work hours, Laura keeps herself busy renovating a home she bought last year, gardening and cooking.

“I love keeping busy, so most of the time you’ll find me water-skiing out at the ski park or slowly renovating my little house I bought back in June,” she said.

“Gardening and cooking is also something I enjoy in my spare time. I love being able to whip up delicious treats in my kitchen,” she smiled.

Laura is passionate about her work and all aspects of the aviation industry.

“I hope to excel myself through the Industry and continue to gain qualifications,” she said.

“I’d love to be an advocate for women in aviation and take on the mission to showcase the importance of aviation for the future of Australia.”

Jessica Towns, who co-ordinates the event with Jess Biddle, said the competition is a fantastic opportunity for entrants to become involved in the community as well as a pathway to joining the Moree Show Society committee.

Jessica won the Moree Young Woman Initiative in 2022. She was also runner-up in the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman program in 2023 when representing Zone 4.

“The program starts at the local show level before progressing to zone and state finals,” Jessica said.

“The local competition comprises of an interview, dinner and two days at the Moree Show. The young woman program is focused on celebrating ag shows and encouraging the next generation.

“The program is a group of empowering women, who have a passion for ag shows, agriculture and their communities,” she said.

Jessica said opportunities within the program are endless, with personal and professional development at the forefront.

“Once you take the leap to entering the young woman competition, you become part of a highly respected cohort of young women from all around the state,” Jessica said.

“The young woman program provides a platform to advocate for your town and gives young people a voice to bring a fresh perspective and the opportunity for change.”

Each year, one representative is selected as the Moree Young Woman to represent Moree at the Zone 4 finals.

The zone finals are held on a rotational basis throughout the region and provides the opportunity to meet like-minded women from the region.

Jessica was two years ago joint Zone 4 winner with Samantha Coppin from Narrabri.

“The zone final judging includes an interview, lunch and dinner,” Jessica said.

“Two young women are then selected to represent Zone 4 at the state final held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

“Leading into the state final, a mentorship program is established and immense support is available.”

Jessica said the week at Sydney Royal for the state final is a phenomenal experience.

“The young women are given a backstage pass to the Royal Easter Show and are introduced to influential and successful mentors throughout all sections for the show,” Jessica said.

“The state finalists then work together with the representative selected as The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman to support AgShows for the preceding year and into the future.

“The sense of community formed around the young woman program throughout New South Wales is incredible.

“The Young Woman competition is an exceptional program and you truly make friends for life.

“I encourage all young women to step out of their comfort zone to become involved, to be a leader and advocate for their community,” she said.

2025 Moree Show

When: Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, with team penning events Sunday, April 26

Where: Moree Showground

Times: Friday (Anzac Day) from midday until late; Saturday from around 7am (ring events) until late.

Tickets: At the gate only. Cash and Eftpos. 4 years and under Free; 5-11 years $5 per day; 12 years and over $15 per day; and aged pensioners $10 per day. Rodeo included in gate entry. All entertainment included in gate entry.

Website: www.moreeshowsociety.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoreeShowSocietyInc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreeshowsociety/?hl=en