FOR emerging Moree artist Kat Downey, entering the fine arts section at the Moree Show was a last-minute decision – being named most successful exhibitor was an unexpected bonus.

“It’s amazing, I didn’t even really think about entering anything until the last minute,” Kat said.

“The drawings I submitted were all based off images I found on royalty-free websites that I was drawn to for one reason or another.

“I tried to find images that would apply the concepts and principles I had been learning about and put them into practise.”

Kat, a Moree paramedic, has experimented in art and drawing from an early age.

However, it’s only recently she decided to take the next step while juggling motherhood, shift work and long hours.

“I have always dabbled in drawing, but I’d never really given much thought to the process – I always tried to simply just draw,” she said.

“Having recently gone back to work after maternity leave, I found myself looking for something I could do for myself.

“Around October last year, I started teaching myself how to draw by reading and watching videos online as a bit of an outlet, once my two kids were in bed.

Emerging artist Kat Downey and her daughter Matilda, with Kat’s winning Moree Show artworks.

“Having a bit more of an understanding of the factors that contribute to realism in drawing, I began to use the small pockets of time I had to draw, after the kids were asleep.

“Drawing has helped me start to do things for myself again, after the wonderful chaos of chasing small kids around. My four-year-old and I often sit down and draw together while her little brother naps,” Kat smiled.

Meanwhile, there were near-record entries across multiple categories at the weekend, with the 142nd edition of the Moree Show recognised as one for the ages.

The Hobson Pavilion, named in recognition of a family that has a long-standing, multi-generational history of service to the Moree Show and agricultural community, featured wall-to-wall displays, including photography, fine arts, applied arts, needlework, garden and agricultural produce, and horticulture.

The cooking and food exhibitions were equally popular, with junior and senior sections across all categories.

School artworks from primary, infants and kindergarten students from Moree schools filled every square inch of available space in the grandstand pavilion.

A special display, The Spirit of the Horse, captured the very essence of equine nobility, and depictions from children of all ages were inspiring.

The 2026 Moree Show had it all, thanks to a hardworking committee led by show society president Brendan Munn.

The committee works tirelessly for months on end to deliver two big days of family fun and entertainment.

Mr Munn, who this year ticked off his 16th term as president, said the 2026 Moree Show will be recognised as one of the best on record, again with plenty of support from local businesses and organisations.

“We received a bit over $62,000 in sponsorship from so many businesses who support the Moree Show every year – they’ve been fantastic,” he said.

“That’s an absolute record for us. Last year, the figure was about $50,000, and when I first started as president we were lucky to get $10,000. It was pretty tough going some years.

“But Moree is a very generous town, and people just want to help and put in more and more each year,” he said.