General News
14 October, 2026
140th Nhill Show set for a milestone celebration
The Nhill A&P Society will celebrate 140 years of the Nhill Show on Thursday, October 15, with a full day at the Nhill Showgrounds anchored by the shearing competition and the iconic Grand Parade.
Society president Gary Hall said the milestone means a lot to the entire community.
“We missed two shows because of COVID, but apart from that, it’s been continuous,” said Mr Hall.
He credited the committee for the show’s ongoing success.
“Support from the trade side remains strong, with a lot of machinery on display because of the show’s reputation.
Preparation starts back in March, and he said the committee is “hoping for good weather, particularly for the fireworks”.
The show officially opens at 2pm from the stage in the Trade Site Area, but the day kicks off early with the shearing competition.
It runs from the 8.30am learner machine shear heats through to the Bill Bridgewater Memorial Open Machine Shear Final at 3.30pm, alongside wool handling and the Doug Bone Memorial Blade Shearing Competition.
Shearing competition organiser and committee member, Adam Webb, said it’s all coming together well.
“This year we’ve added an extra event in the shearing and wool, we’ve added the senior, and we are getting good pre-entries, and we take entries on the day as well.
“We’ve got good prize money.”
Mr Webb revealed that some of the standout Nhill shearers at the show will be brother and sister shearing duo Josh Bone and Kirsty Bone, who have both won state titles in the past and carry on their father's legacy.
The kids get to join in on the shearing fun with a junior competition.
“We have cut-outs in the shape of a sheep, and we put shaving cream on them and get the kids involved as well and hopefully bring up a few up-and-coming shearers,” Mr Webb said.
“Hopefully, we make next year bigger and better; without our sponsors it doesn’t go ahead. A big thank you to our sponsors.”
The Home Industries Pavilion will showcase cookery, preserves, flowers, craftwork, photography and art from across the district.
This year’s pavlova competition carries extra significance, with the 18 to 30 years category sash presented in loving memory of Amy Pilgrim, alongside the open cooking challenge.
A tricoloured layer cake and a floral art arrangement will also commemorate the 140th show.
Ladies Committee president Tricia Alexander said artificial flowers are allowed in two of the floral art categories.
“With the floral art 140th commemorative, artificial is allowed, she said.”
Families can look forward to the Grand Parade at 4pm, the Junior Show Ambassador Award, the Farm Scene Display Contest, and Lego, Duplo and Meccano competitions for younger showgoers.
Ms Alexander said a special judge from Sydney, Julie Knowles, would judge the Junior Show Patron after the official opening.
Lunch and afternoon tea will be available in the Young Farmers Pavilion, with a two-course luncheon from 12-2pm.
Fireworks will begin around 8.30pm.
The Show will be officially opened at 2pm from the stage located in Trade Site Area.
Gate entry is $20 for adults, $5 for school-aged children, and free for pre-schoolers.
A $40 family membership ticket is also available.