It’s hard to imagine how the little town of Cobargo, with a population of 776, could host its local show over three days and have over 6,200 people come through the gates. The committee led by the president Daniel Allen has worked for months preparing to host a fantastic event. During the show, wherever you looked, there was something brilliant to see. Fabulous showjumping, hack events, beef cattle and dairy cattle, and the pavilion rounded up the more traditional events with great community support for them all.

The Campdraft was extremely entertaining with Claire Mathie the ultimate winner. There were lawnmower races and the motorbike obstacle course and the wife carrying competition kept everybody glued to their seats in excitement. The Hawkesbury working kelpies were fascinating to watch but also the commentary was so informative giving an incredible understanding of what makes a working dog tick.

A new event called a quickshear was so fun to watch as the competitors were challenged to shear a sheep fast but well, against the clock. The chainsaw events drew a large crowd along with the axeman’s event with a special display from Wade Mathie. He brought his two bullocks Ranger and Rusty along to snig a log to show how it used to be done in yesteryears. Ron McKinnon, a well renowned bullocky, also gave an informed overview of how the bullocks work and the skill needed to train them. A competition was also held to guess the weight of the combined bullocks, and they came in at 1,644 kgs – the winner was Amber Bray.

The show was opened by John Bennett, President of The Sydney Royal Show, and a committed member of the show movement. John made note that the PA system at the show is the best quality he has ever experienced. A presentation was made at the official opening to Dave Williams for 20 years’ service as a committee member in several roles and also a certificate of appreciation to outgoing secretary Naomi Rolfe. Both Dave and Naomi have been incredible workers. Mackenzie Dunn was Cobargo Show’s Young Woman and this year we had three junior ambassadors – Errin Farron, Jemima Ball and Gypsy Rigatos. Melanie Horsnell sang a beautiful version of Advance Australia Fair that added to the opening address. After the firewood and posts were auctioned, the brilliant rodeo was enjoyed and the show finale was the car soccer. Another magnificent show.

(Photo top right: Yoked bullocks Ranger and Rusty ready to snig a log Photo: Cliff Shipton Photography.)

June Tarlinton

2026 Opening. Back row: Naomi Rolfe, (outgoing secretary presented with Certificate of Appreciation), President Daniel Allen, Lynsday Boyton (back), Mary and Dave Williams (Dave – 20-year committee member plaque recipient), Mackenzie Dunn – Young Woman of Cobargo Show, John Bennett RAS President who opened the show, Shona Taranto – Cobargo Citizen of the year, Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick. Front: Junior ambassadors Gypsy Rigatos, Jemima Ball, Errin Farron, Senior Vice President June Tarlinton. Photo: Vashti Herbert.

Mackenzie Dunn, an impressive Cobargo Show Young Woman for 2026. Photo: Vashti Herbert.

First prize garlics. Photo: Flick Ruby.

John Bennett, President of the RAS, was impressed with the PA system of the show – the best he has ever experienced. Photo: Vashti Herbert.

An axeman underhand event. Photo: Flick Ruby.

An entrant in the Steer Ride. Photo Vashti Herbert.

Best horse friends. Photo: Vashti Herbert.