AVIATION industry professional, 21-year-old Laura Penfold, has been crowned Moree Show Society’s 2025 Young Woman Initiative winner.

The title was announced centre-stage Friday night, amid a night packed with entertainment and action.

Moree beauty therapist, 20-year-old Millie Hobday, was announced runner-up.

Ms Penfold and Ms Hobday have both lived in Moree all their lives. Ms Hobday works at Beauty Matters in Moree and Ms Penfold works at Statewide Aviation.

“I’d just like to say a massive thank-you to (co-ordinators) Jess Biddle and Jess Towns. These guys put in a lot of effort for events like this,” Ms Penfold said.

“Also, a massive thanks to all of our sponsors, whose generosity is greatly appreciated, and also congratulations to Millie. It’s been really lovely getting to know you that little bit extra,” she smiled.

“I definitely encourage every young woman to participate in events like this.”

Moree Show Society president and AgShows NSW director, Brendan Munn, congratulated both entrants as well as all participants who helped fill the void when the annual rodeo was a late cancellation because of a lack of entries.

“I especially want to thank SAX Appeal for coming on such short notice and entertaining,” Mr Munn said.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t have the rodeo. We truly apologise for that, but there wasn’t anything we could do. We’ll try and make it bigger and better next year.”

Moree Show Young Woman Initiative winner Laura Penfold (left) and runner-up Millie Hobday (Image courtesy of Kathryn Penfold).

Mr Munn announced several award recipients as well as winners of the field wheat and durum wheat competitions.

The durum wheat competition prize went to Graham and Rhonda McPherson from Gurley and field wheat competition winners were Glenn and Rachel Fernance from Bellata.

The McPhersons and Fernances were regional finalists in the Suncorp Bank AgShows NSW Championship Dryland Field Wheat Competition earlier this year.

The Brian Jones Award for Moree Show Society committee person of the year went to assistant secretary Sonya Rowe, who oversees the huge Moree Ute Show and ute barrel races each year.

“Sonya is very shy – until she’s in a Holden ute,” Mr Munn laughed.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Claire Seery, who runs the kitchen for all ring event participants for the duration of their stay on the eastern side of Moree Showground.

“Claire has been feeding the masses for I don’t know how many years, and we really appreciate what she does for our event,” Mr Munn said.

“Feeding everyone is a huge job, and we can’t do things like that without volunteers like Claire.”

Mr Munn also bestowed Moree Show Society life membership awards to Cathy Young and Rita Rodgers, who ensure all horse and ring events run smoothly.

After SAX Appeal wowed the big crowd, special guest Mark Coulton, who recently retired from the seat of Parkes after nearly 18 years, declared the Moree Show officially open.

He was joined by State member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, and Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse.

“This is definitely my last official engagement. I actually haven’t been a member of parliament for about three or four weeks, but I’m so pleased I was asked to be here tonight,” Mr Coulton said.

“It’s 62 years since I came equal last in the under-7s boys’ riders class. It was my first show ribbon – the brown one that no-one wants to get,” he laughed.

Mr Coulton praised hardworking Moree Show committee members, who work practically all-year-round to put on two days of non-stop entertainment.

“Running something like this is not easy. After coming here for 17-and-a-half years in an official capacity, I look at the committee and see so many of the same faces, and some new ones, as well.

“They’re here every year, and are here for the months beforehand to get everything ready.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into running a show, and to see so many people here is great testament to the committee,” Mr Coulton said.

The Moree Show continues day, with gates open at 8am.

Events include V8 Trackskill Utes, Moree Ute Show and ute barrel races, Tug of War Challenge, dog high-jump competition, Young Farmers’ Challenge, John and Tina Mostyn’s reptile awareness display, demolition derby, pet show, woodchopping competition, yard-dog trials and poultry competition.

Mr Munn thanked all sponsors of the 2025 Moree Show.

“Our sponsors are amazing, and the support we’ve received over the years, and this year especially, is exceptional,” he said.

Mr Munn also congratulated last year’s Young Woman Initiative winner, Brydie Holmes.

“Brydie represented Moree with confidence and dignity at the Young Woman zone finals at Barraba – she has been a great ambassador for our community,” he said.