Ute show rolls into Gunnedah

Engines are firing ahead of the 2025 Gunnedah Ute Show this weekend.

The Aussie ute display has become a mainstay on the Gunnedah Show program.

Leading the charge is ute show convenor and judge, Goran Kelly.

The 20-year-old university student from Gunnedah said although ute owners nominate their entry on the day of judging, early interest is high.

“We have had a lot of interest already,” Mr Kelly said.

Judging will take place across many categories including Best BnS, Best Chicks, Best 4WD, Best Feral, Best Work Ute, Best Hunting, Best Classic and Best Themed.

Sub-categories include Most Flags, Most Cattle Tags, Most Stickers, Most Lights, Best Holden, Best Ford, Loudest 6 and Loudest 8.

Mr Kelly said judges have set criteria for each category but there are general characteristics which apply to every group such as interior and exterior of the ute.

Judges also consider the personalities and stories behind each ute owner to help them “see who fits the bill”.

Mr Kelly, who is studying mechanical engineering in Toowoomba, said the Gunnedah Show has been a big part of his family tradition for as long as he can remember. Mum, Maree, often assists in many areas of the show, including the art display.

This will be just the second year running the ute show for Mr Kelly who takes the driver’s seat from past convenor, Pat Sherwood.

Mr Sherwood hails from Barraba but ran the Gunnedah Ute Show for about 10 years and has been “in the ute scene” for almost three decades.

Prior commitments mean he won’t be at this year’s show but was proud of the achievements in recent times.

“We built it up from 5-6 categories to what it is now (almost 20),” he said.

Mr Sherwood said the Gunnedah event regularly attracted ute entries from across the eastern states – from Bundaberg to Sydney – and beyond.

“Everyone has always liked the Gunnedah Show … it’s a good show all-round,” he said.

The long-time show convenor said the highlight was always Gunnedah’s grand parade.

“There’s not many nice parades around now,” he said.

“It’s free entertainment … and the kids love it.”

Mr Sherwood said it was the “mateship” of the ute community that keeps him involved.

“You meet people from all parts of Australia,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a street ute or an B&S ute … it’s just an Aussie thing.

“We’re very lucky.”

The Gunnedah Ute Show starts at 9am on Saturday ahead of judging at 12pm at the Gunnedah Showground.

All utes entered go into the grand parade at 2pm.

Cash prizes and ribbons are up for grabs in all categories including the Grand Champion.

The presentation of prizes will follow the parade in the main arena.

Utes taking part in the Gunnedah Show Grand Parade.