Gunnedah will be represented by its first finalist in 10 years at the Sydney Royal Easter Show Young Woman of the Year competition.
Gunnedah Show Society’s 2024 winner Chennelle Winsor was selected after winning the Zone 4 finals at Barraba last weekend.
“It is an honour and such an amazing privilege to represent,” Chennelle said during her acceptance speech.
“Thank you to Gunnedah for giving me the opportunity.”
Chennelle also thanked her parents and partner for their support.
Not since Gunnedah’s Sarah Clift in 2014 has Gunnedah featured a representative on the stage for the Young Woman competition, formerly known as the showgirl competition.
Chennelle was one of two winners for the zone – also selected was Claudia Williams from Narrabri. Zone 4 covers a huge area from Walgett to Dorrigo and north to Moree.
Chennelle’s parents Sandy and Vinnie were “very proud” of their daughter’s achievements.
“She never ceases to amaze us,” Sandy said.
She added it will be made extra special given the Sydney Royal will this year mark its 200th anniversary.
Also celebrating Chennelle’s achievement was Gunnedah Show Society president Kath Wilkinson.
“It is a very prestigious honour,” she said.
The show president highlighted Chennelle’s exceptional performance at the local level as testament to her standing among her peers.
“She gave a fabulous speech at our show,” Kath said.
“Chennelle was interviewed at the opening and it was a great speech.
“She is a very confident woman who works in the agricultural industry.
“A fantastic representative for Gunnedah and the wider rural community.”
Gunnedah Show Society Young Woman Competition convenor, Mel Bartlett, said Chennelle’s speech at the zone finals was exemplary.
“She was nervous but very composed,” Mel said.
Each entrant was required to deliver an “on-the-spot”, unrehearsed speech and another talk which allowed some preparation.
“The on-stage interview can be quite daunting,” Mel added.
It is hoped Gunnedah’s first state representation in a decade will urge others to put themselves forward as entrants in future Young Woman competitions.
“We have been down on numbers for the last few years [but] I think it will reinvigorate the competition,” Mel said.
As former winner of the Gunnedah Young Woman of the Year, Mel said judges look for someone who is passionate about agriculture and their hometown.
She urged future entrants to “stay true to yourself” and to simply “be genuine”.
