ELLY Byriell was crowned 2026 Moree Show Society Young Woman on April 11 and is looking forward to the next 12 months representing the Moree Plains Shire.

The 23-year-old University of New England student is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Business.

She said being named Moree Show Society Young Woman is an absolute honour.

“The show has always been such an important part of rural communities, and to represent Moree in this way is very special to me,” Elly said.

“It’s an opportunity to give back to a community that is so welcoming. To be involved in promoting such a great town is an honour.

2026 Moree Show Society Young Woman Elly Byriell (right), with last year’s winner Laura Penfold.

“Over the next 12 months, I’m really looking forward to getting more involved with the Moree Show Society and supporting local events, particularly those involving young people in the agricultural industry.

“I am keen to help create more pathways for young people in rural and excited by the opportunities the year ahead will bring,” she said.

Elly relocated to Moree from Gunnedah, where she was named Young Woman at last year’s Gunnedah Show. She was also runner-up in 2023.

“I’ve always had a strong interest in agriculture, growing up rurally with my family at Gunnedah,” Elly said.

“I moved to Moree a little while ago for work opportunities. I love it here and am really settled.

“The Moree community is so inviting, and I’ve become involved in a number of local groups and events, which made it feel like home very quickly,” she said.

As part of Royal Agriculture Show Zone 4, Elly will now progress through one of seven zone finals, co-ordinated by AgShows NSW, with successful zone winners advancing to the New South Wales final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Up to 16 finalists take part in an immersive six-day program, culminating in a public speaking showcase at the Showground Amphitheatre.

Throughout the program, participants demonstrate insight into the challenges facing rural New South Wales and a strong commitment to their communities, agriculture and leadership.

This year, Louisa Gilmour from Warialda – part of Zone 4 – was crowned 2026 Acciona Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman.

Meanwhile, the junior young woman competitions at the 2026 Moree Show was hotly contested.

Perri Heffernan was sashed Tiny Tots winners from runner-up Addilyn Hook, with Emily Twartz winning the Primary 1 category from runner-up Charlotte Densley.

Primary 2 winner was Claire Wannan, from runner-up Evelyn Woods, with Isabelle Diprose named Teen Young Woman from runner-up Harriet Biddle.

Junior Young Woman was Amber Muller from runner-up, Mikayla Marshall.