Young women shine at Junee Show as Maddi Huard takes top honour

MADDISON Huard has been named Junee’s 2025 Young Woman of the Year, taking out the prestigious title at Saturday’s 135th annual Junee Show.

The announcement was made during the official opening ceremony, with Maddi crowned in front of a large and supportive crowd.

Ella Henderson was named runner-up, with both young women recognised for their passion, poise and commitment to community.

Ella Henderson (left) with Maddie Huard (right) | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The competition, formerly known as Miss Showgirl, has been a proud part of the rural show circuit for generations.

In 2022, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW officially rebranded the statewide initiative to Young Woman of the Year, encouraging local shows to adopt the new title to better reflect the program’s evolving spirit.

WATCH: 135th Junee Show Highlights

More than just a sash, the competition opens doors for regional women in public speaking, leadership, personal development and networking, with Maddi now set to represent Junee at the Riverina Group 9 regional judging in 2026.

If successful, she could advance to the NSW State Finals held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Alongside the honour of representing her community, Maddi also walked away with a prize pool valued at nearly $1,000, including cash, gift cards and generous sponsor packs.

She will also be invited to attend a personal development weekend in Dubbo.

READ MORE: Thousands stream through show gates

In a brief acceptance speech, Maddi thanked her running mate and reflected on what the Show means to her.

“I would like to thank Ella for running with me and going on this journey with me,” she said.

“The Show is the best thing of the year. To see the families enter, to the families on the rides, on the horses — it’s really good.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Runner-up Ella Henderson also received a generous prize pack, including $100 cash and $50 vouchers to Sephora and Storehouse Botanica.

While only two entrants took part this year, Young Woman coordinator Eliza Turton praised both Maddi and Ella for their involvement and encouraged more young women to give it a go in 2026.

“We were very lucky this year to have two girls, Maddison and Ella, sign up to do it — which is amazing,” Ms Turton said.

Young Woman coordinator Eliza Turton with long-serving MC David Eisenhauer | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

“It’s definitely difficult to find young women who want to take part, but it’s such a rewarding experience. Anyone out there who’s even thinking about it — please come and give it a go. It’s a lot of fun.”

She also used the moment to call for volunteers.

“We love help. So if there’s anyone out there who wants to come and help, it would be muchly appreciated.”

Ella Henderson was crowned Junee’s 2025 Young Woman runner-up | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

YOUNG TALENT SHINES

The Show’s celebration of emerging leaders continued across the junior divisions, with three rising stars awarded for their grace and enthusiasm.

Phoebe Armstrong was crowned Junee’s Junior Young Woman and Macey Hatch was awarded Intermediate Young Woman, while Montana Butt took out the title of Teenage Young Woman

Each winner received $30 cash and a $20 House2Home gift voucher, with Montana also earning a $35 voucher to Total Bliss for Hair.

2025 Junior Young Woman of the Year, Phoebe Armstrong with state member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Macey Hatch was crowned Junee’s 2025 Intermediate Young Woman of the Year | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Junee’s Junior Young Women of the Year | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Each recipient had their moment in the spotlight as they shook hands with Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who helped present the coveted sashes alongside long-serving MC David Eisenhauer.

The 135th Junee Show’s official opening was also headlined by Majella Davies, Junee’s own breakout star of Neighbours, who returned home to help kick off the event as special guest.

A handful of crowd-favourite children’s categories also returned, with winners announced in Baby Boy and Baby Girl, Toddler Boy and Toddler Girl, and Miss Tiny Tott and Master Tiny Tott.

With bright sashes, beaming smiles, and a celebration of community leadership from the youngest to the most accomplished, the Young Woman of the Year presentation remains one of the most treasured traditions of the Junee Show — and a shining example of rural pride, progress and purpose.