OUT & ABOUT
Young Woman and Rural Ambassador
hand over the reigns
by Greg Martin
It’ s almost time for curtain call for the Hawkesbury Show’ s Young Woman and Rural Ambassador, with Madi Luke and Jack Mayhew preparing to wrap up their year-long tenure at the 139th Hawkesbury Show, running April 24 – 26.
The Hawkesbury Show has a proud and rich history, dating all the way back to 1845. While it has been held almost every year since, there were a few unavoidable breaks including 1919 during the influenza pandemic, and between 1941 and 1946 when troops were stationed on the site during World War II.
Over the decades, generations of young locals have played a vital role in the show’ s success bringing their livestock, produce and a strong work ethic to help keep this iconic event running like clockwork. And Madi and Jack are no exception.
The pair will officially hand over their titles at this year’ s show, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best yet.
The Young Woman( 18 – 25 years) and Rural Ambassador( 20 – 30 years) competitions celebrate young people with a genuine passion for agriculture and rural life in NSW and it’ s fair to say Madi and Jack tick every box.
Their love of animals runs deep. In fact, it’ s the kind of passion that goes beyond the paddock both are currently studying at the University of Sydney, working towards PhDs in feedlot cattle. Their research focuses on areas such as nutrition, animal health and production management all key to the future of the industry.
And while their academic paths are impressive, they’ re not afraid of a bit of hands-on work either. Both will be rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into the action at this year’ s show.
Jack, who teaches at Oakhill College, leads the school’ s 75-strong Agricultural Show Team. His students will be putting their skills to the test in events like cattle parading and beef judging. Jack himself will also oversee the honey competition, bringing his knowledge of bees and honey production to the table.
Madi, meanwhile, will be right at home in the cattle ring, using her keen eye for conformation as part of the judging.
The official handover of titles will take place on the Entertainment Stage at 4pm on Saturday, April 25, where new Young Woman and Rural Ambassador winners will be announced.
Junior and Youth awards will also be presented, recognising the next
No bull, that’ s a big cow! Outgoing Hawkesbury Show Young Woman, Madi Luke, and Rural Ambassador, Jack Mayhew, strike a pose with multi award-winning Simmental cow, Ausbred Vegas Pearl-“ Vegas” to her friends- and her two-month-old calf, Xtravagant. Photo: Kathryn Johnston.
generation of rural leaders. Age categories include 12 – 14( junior girls) and 15 – 17( youth girls), along with 13 – 15( junior boys) and 16 – 19( youth boys).
One thing’ s for sure every entrant
deserves a fair go and a hearty round of applause. These young locals are the backbone of rural communities across NSW, and the future of events like the Hawkesbury Show is in very good hands.
139th ANNUAL HAWKESBURY SHOW
Where the
Country
meets the
City the City
24-25-26 APRIL 2026
3 DAYS
OF FAMILY FUN!
From the very best in livestock, arts and crafts, horticulture, fruit, vegetables and local trade stands, to stunning fireworks and exhilarating carnival rides, the Hawkesbury Show offers a spectacular celebration of Australian cultural and rural traditions.
FRIDAY 24TH • 9AM-11PM
Pavilion Displays, Airtime FX Motorbikes, Racing Pigs, Rooftop Express Show, Show Jumping, Pony Club, Horse Sports, The Hawkesbury Young Farmers Challenge, Woodchop Spectacular, Farmyard Dash, Fireworks + Showrides + More!
SATURDAY 25TH • 9AM-11PM
Anzac Day – Anzac Day Ceremony, Grand Parade, Airtime FX Motorbikes, Main Arena Show – The Gagliadies – The German Wheel, Woodchop Spectacular, Show Jumping, Heavy and Light Harness, Breed Show, Farmyard Dash, Rooftop Express, Racing Pigs, Lego Soap Box Derby + Shearing, Milking Demonstrations + More!
SUNDAY 26TH • 9AM-4PM
Farmyard Dash, Rooftop Express, Show Horses, Airtime FX Motorbikes, Lego Soap Box Rally + More!
Catch the train to Clarendon Station for quickest entry!
Travel on trains, metro and light rail services is included in your event ticket. Simply show your ticket to staff when boarding services.
Hawkesbury Show
Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Road, Clarendon
Changed traffic conditions will be in place, delays may occur. Refer to the Hawkesbury Showground website for further details
Buy Online + Save! 123tix. com. au
www. hawkesburyshowground. com. au / show / hawkesbury-show
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 191 // APRIL 2026 25