General news
15 August, 2025
Brianna recounts her year as Young Woman rep at 2024 Sydney Royal AgShows NSW final
Brianna's story from her year as Weethalle Young Woman
I WOULD describe my experience as a state finalist in the 2024 The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
I arrived in Sydney on Monday, 7th April, where I was warmly welcomed by our 2024 The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman, Dom Wyse, and Kane Gerrets, the Agricultural Youth Initiatives Manager—our guides for the week. That evening, over dinner, I had the chance to meet my 14 fellow state finalists.
We began our program the following day with a Professional Development Day. During this session, we were presented with our light blue state finalist sashes by the President and CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, John Bennett and Brock Gilmour. That night, we attended a 'Meet the Judges' dinner, where, to our surprise, the spokesperson who had hosted our professional development session turned out to be one of our three judges!
The next day was our interview day. We were split into two groups: Group A and Group B. While one group had interviews, the other received a full tour of the Showgrounds. I was pleased to be in Group A and have my interview done early, allowing me to fully enjoy the tour in the afternoon. That evening, we attended the NSW Young Woman AgShows Dinner, hosted by AgShows NSW. Each of us was invited on stage to be questioned in a “on the couch” style interview, with no preparation—just three spontaneous questions. My first question was a challenging one: “Where do you see the Weethalle Show in 100 years?” This was followed by, “What advice would you give someone considering entering this competition?” and finally, “What is one saying or mantra you live by and why?” My answer was simple: “There’s no such word as can’t.” Elaborating on this by stating that anything is possible if you are motivated enough and willing to fail before you succeed – you just need to change your attitude and approach.
The following day was one of the most memorable and special. We began at Government House, where, alongside the 2025 Rural Achievers, we were individually acknowledged for our contributions and presented with our state finalist badges by the Honourable Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley (pictured). After this ceremony, we enjoyed an elegant morning tea in the gardens. We then headed to the harbour docks and boarded a Syndey Harbour cruise for a three-course lunch. That evening, we returned to the Sydney Showgrounds to watch the Entertainment Preview Show with the judges.
The next morning began with a professional photography session and stewarding allocations. We were divided into groups and rotated through various stewarding roles: Horse, Cattle, Domestic Animals (specifically rodents – yes, rodents!), Broadcast Box, and the Arts & Crafts Pavilion. Each area offered something unique. I learned how each section operates, their judging criteria, and had the chance to meet many passionate individuals from different areas of the show movement. We finished the day at the “Hats Off at the Royal” networking event - a wonderful opportunity to connect with new and old friends across the agricultural sector.
Saturday’s program started with a series of guest speaker panels: The Land Media Session, the RAS Councillor Mentor Session, and the Young Woman Mentor Session with past finalists. It was incredibly inspiring to hear the journeys of so many women and the challenges they overcame to succeed. After lunch with our mentors, we attended the “Talk and Taste” event in the Woolworths Dome, sampling award-winning gin and smoked trout. Then, after a quick outfit change, we rode in a horse and carriage in the Grand Parade. From there, we watched the Official Opening by the Governor of NSW from the Council Balcony before heading into the Council Stand for the Official Opening Dinner. This was possibly the most prestigious event of the program. We dined alongside RAS Board Members, Councillors, the Governor of NSW, the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, and other highly respected leaders in agriculture. Each state finalist and Rural Achiever was seated at a different table, giving us a chance to network and hear incredible stories and advice.
Sunday marked the final day of our program. We began with a heritage tour in the Heritage Pavilion, followed by a Young Woman Celebration Lunch in the Council Stand with our families. At this event, we were each presented with medals by John Bennett, on behalf of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW - a sentimental token of our achievement. It was incredibly special to have our families share this moment with us. We then moved to the amphitheatre for the Young Woman Presentation. With our badges on and a flower pinned backstage, we each stepped out on stage to be interviewed. I was fortunate to receive three questions I felt confident answering:
• What is your favourite part about being involved in two different show societies?
• How do you think your involvement in this experience will help you advocate for the show movement in your local community?
• What is one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about entering this competition?
Although I did not win the overall title, one message we were reminded of throughout the program was this: “Becoming a state finalist is the win. This is the win! And regardless of who receives the title, you will all walk away with the same opportunities.” I couldn’t agree more. Becoming a state finalist was the win for me, and I am incredibly grateful to have come this far.
This experience was truly jam-packed and one of a kind—from behind-the-scenes access at the Show to front-row seats for the entertainment. We dined like queens and shared endless smiles and laughter. The people you meet and the connections you make are genuinely life-changing. We walked in as 15 strangers and walked out as the best of friends. I lost count of how many conversations led to me explaining where Weethalle is—people were always intrigued. I’d like to think I’ve helped put us back on the map! It made me immensely proud to represent my home. Without a doubt, this program was one of the best experiences I’ll ever have, and one I will always treasure.
BRIANNA FYFE
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