Behind the Sash: Recent Episodes
Between the Paddock and the Pavillion
Behind the Sash is a fortnightly podcast that celebrates and shares the voices of Showgirls around New South Wales. Not every Showgirl will reach the state final, but every Showgirl is a local hero with a story to tell.
Welcome back to Behind the Sash! On todays episode we have the privilege of talking to Elinor Bowman. Elinor was the 2023 Singleton Young Woman, and a Zone 5 Finalist for The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition.
Elinor hails from Singleton in the Hunter Valley. Growing up, she knew that she was passionate about social justice and giving back to her community. Elinor went on to complete a double degree in law and international studies, and is a corporate lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin.
Outside of work, you will find Elinor on the rugby field for Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club, at a CWA meeting or volunteering in the tea rooms for Singleton Show. She has also travelled extensively, and in this episode we dive into what it takes to be a young solo traveller.
Lyndsey Douglas is undoubtedly Young Woman royalty.
From emceeing Zone Finals, to interviewing State Finalists of The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition, Lyndsey has done it all. She is also director of Writers Who, and acts as a professional MC for a range of organisations and events, especially in agriculture. She is highly regarded and respected in the industry.
What some may not realise though, is that Lyndsey herself was a showgirl for Condobolin and ended up as a state finalist. From her time at Sydney Royal, she has taken every opportunity presented and professionally has never looked back.
On this episode of Behind the Sash, Lyndsey sits on the other side of the table and opens up about some of her story. Along with previous NSW Young Woman Florance McGufficke, Lyndsey has also founded an event for showgirl and young woman alumni called the 'Pearl Picnic'. This year it will be hosted by Condobolin Show, learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/6PciMjtsB5vG9LEb/
This week Behind the Sash is coming to you from Dubbo at the 2024 Celebrating AgShows NSW Conference and Gala Dinner.
Sammy catches up with President Award recipients Nicky Seeto and Jody Nelson-Gleeson, as well as Sean Haynes on behalf of Eugowra Show who received the Resilience Award.
Paris got to sit down with youth program alumni Florance McGufficke (2023 The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman), Katie Williams (2024 Young Woman State Finalist) and Shanelle Pescud (2024 RAS Rural Achiever State Finalist) to see what they have been up to.
Both the conference and gala dinner had fantastic feedback, it is such a valuable event for those involved in AgShows. Next year it will be held in Armidale and is definitely something to put in the diary!
On this episode of Behind the Sash we sit down with the 2024 The Land Sydney AgShows Young Woman, Domonique Wyse. Dom grew up in Taree where she fell in love with cattle through showing with local schools and families as she studied agriculture through distance education.
She is now an Ag Teacher in Tamworth, but wears many hats outside of work through her roles with ASC Next Gen and her sporting commitments. Dom is grounded, determined and approachable, and is excited to get to as many Shows as she can across the year.
Welcome back to Behind the Sash. On todays episode we get to chat to Maddy Nash. Maddy is a 26 year old NDIS Support Coordinator in the Milton Ulladulla area on the South Coast of NSW.
She was the 2020 Milton Showgirl and was lucky enough to be a Finalist for the 2022 The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows NSW Young Woman Program. Her favourite thing about the Young Woman program is watching the growth and development of a young woman and connecting with like minded women all across NSW.
Welcome to season 2 of Behind the Sash!
It has been 5 years since Behind the Sash aired. Where is podcast founder Elyse Hudson now? Tune in as Elyse tells us about her journey which has taken her literally across the country, and her continued community involvement from WA Shows to wheelchair AFL.
In this episode you will also meet the two new hosts of Behind the Sash, Sammy Cormie-Smith and Paris Capell.
Make sure to follow for weekly episodes and find us on socials!
Sammy Spark says that she has two communities - her University in Wagga, where she studies to be a Vet, and her home town of Nowra, which she was proud to represent in Sydney at The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl final this year. She joins Elyse this week to share her journey as the 2018 Nowra Showgirl and reflect on how she has grown as a young woman and future leader in her communities. She also gives an insight into how the Nowra Show works closely with the town and surrounds to develop their Showgirls and showcase them at the annual Show.
Episode Released: 27 May 2018
Last episode, Elyse was rejoined by the 2017 Wauchope Showgirl Nikki Gibbs to reflect on her journey to becoming the 2018 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl. There was so much to pack in that it has had to be spread across two episodes. This episode is Part 2, where Nikki looks at her journey since being awarded the tricolour Sash.
Episode Released: 13 May 2018
Just under 12 months ago, Behind the Sash was graced with the presence of our third Wauchope Showgirl to be interviewed - Nikki Gibbs. Fast forward to Easter and this passionate, bubbly and enthusiastic young woman was sashed the 2018 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl. Nikki returns to Behind the Sash to share her journey and reflect on her experiences. Join Elyse for Part 1 of Behind the Sash's interview with the 2018 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl, Nikki Gibbs.
Episode Released: 3 May 2018
BIG EPISODE THIS WEEK!
Fourth time's the charm for Behind the Sash's guest this week. Tess Crossley is someone with a passion for Orange, swimming and her show, being part of a family with a long history of involvement with Orange Show Society. Tess is a unique character and shares with Elyse her experiences on her long journey as part of the Showgirl experience.
Episode Released: 16 April 2018
Tomorrow is the final judging for The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition - can you believe it?
To celebrate - here's a special episode of Behind the Sash where we are joined by ANOTHER State Finalist - the incredible Kaela McRae!
Originally from Lismore, Kaela McRae is now a proud ambassador for her "Casino Family." This inspirational young woman joins Elyse on Behind the Sash to discuss her journey through the Showgirl experience as well as her community involvement. Kaela also shares the importance of "living life large."
Episode Released: 24 March 2018
In the lead up to the Sydney Royal Showgirl Final, Behind the Sash is excited to be joined by another finalist - Maicie Close from Finley. Maicie loves her town and aims to pursue her career there in the long term. For her, the Show movement is a family affair and very close to her heart. She joins Elyse this week to talk about her journey and development as part of the Showgirl movement.
Episode Released: 11 March 2018
Kate Lumbar, the 2017 Moree Showgirl, lives and breathes the cotton industry. A passionate representative for both the industry and her local community, Kate joins Elyse this episode to discuss not only the wonders of working in cotton, but also her love of music, the show movement and her personal development through the Showgirl experience.
Episode Released: 25 February 2018
In Part 2 of Elyse's interview with the 2017 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl, Maisie Morrow, Maisie reflects upon her personal growth and experiences representing Merriwa Show. She also shares what makes her local area so amazing and what her plans are for the future after passing on the sash.
Episode Released: 11 February 2018
For our 50th episode, Elyse is joined by none other than Maisie Morrow, the 2017 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl. A passionate supporter and advocate for rural women, Maisie's journey has seen her take on many diverse roles in primary production and her community of Merriwa. In this episode, Maisie reflects upon her passions and ideas, as well as the initial response she had to the honour of being sashed The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl for 2017.
Episode Released: 4 February 2018
Makayla is a Pharmacy Assistant in beautiful Grafton. Passionate about community involvement, she has twice entered the Showgirl competition and is proud to represent her town as their Showgirl. Makayla joins Elyse this week to share her experiences throughout her Showgirl journey.
Episode Released: 21 January 2018
Liz Munn from Leeton joins Elyse on this episode of Behind the Sash. Liz has a long history with the Show movement, from her family's deep involvement in the Moree Show, to her role as President of her Show Society. Liz is passionate about representing young people in the Show movement, having been the Moree Showgirl and a NSW Rural Achiever Finalist before stepping into the role as the 2017 Leeton Showgirl.
Episode Released: 18 December 2017
Zara Beckett is Behind the Sash's 40th Showgirl interviewee! Fresh from completing her HSC, Zara joins Elyse to talk about her ambitions to work with Marine Mammals and share her experiences thus far of being Coffs Harbour Showgirl.
Episode Released: 3 December 2017
Heidi Stone is a young women with a diverse background and many talents. Having grown up in the town of Peak Hill, Heidi is proud to be representing them as their 2017 Showgirl. She joins Elyse this episode to share her experiences in the Showgirl competition and across regional NSW.
Episode Released: 19 November 2017
Dubbo produces many a successful Showgirl and Rose Broughton is no exception. A Pilates instructor and fitness enthusiast, most weekends you'll find Rose doing some form of volunteering or community involvement. But there's more to this Showgirl and her experience than meets the eye. She joins Elyse on Behind the Sash to share what she loves about Dubbo and the Dubbo Show, as well as just what she gets up to each weekend.
Episode Released: 5 November 2017
Caitlin Herbert is proud to be a country girl. Coming from one of the oldest farming families in Australia, when Caitlin started her career in Oral Health there was no question she would stay in Eugowra. She joins Elyse this week to give an insight as to life in Eugowra and why she loves her home-town so much.
Episode Released: 22 October 2017
Nicole Cowling, Maclean's 2017 Showgirl, might be as young as you can possibly be to represent your community in the competition - but she comes with a wealth of experience. Already a Group 1 Junior Showgirl Champion, Nicole has gained a lot from her experiences representing Maclean as a Junior Showgirl, in drama and as a talented Highland Dancer. She joins Elyse to share these experiences and what she has gained through the Showgirl programs.
Episode Released: 8 October 2017
Rydal is a small town with a big heart, producing talented and passionate Showgirls. This week's guest, Alana Black, is no exception. Alana demonstrates her passion through her work with charities and within her local community. She joins Elyse to share her journey as the 2017 Rydal Showgirl.
Episode Released: 25 September 2017
In 2015, Prue McDonald represented the town of Dungog in The Land Sydney Showgirl Competition. A passionate representative for her local community, for Prue Dungog Show is all about family. Since being the Dungog Showgirl, Prue has almost finished her Law Degree and has remained deeply involved in her local community. She joins Elyse this week to share her experiences and how being a Showgirl impacted on her life.
Episode Released: 11 September 2017
For Behind the Sash's fortieth episode - Elyse is joined by yet another Wauchope Showgirl. Nikki Gibbs is a Vet Nurse and trained in Remedial Massage. When she isn't at work or on the family property, Nikki is a Director at Wauchope Show. She joins Elyse to gain an insight on her busy life and what makes her so passionate about the Show movement and Showgirl.
Episode Released: 27 August 2017
Felicity Sims is a Rural Fire Service volunteer and future nurse, currently studying at UNE in Armidale. After being convinced to enter Inverell Showgirl to boost her confidence, Felicity now has the exciting job of representing her local area. This week, she joins Elyse to share her experiences and have a few laughs along the way.
Episode Released: 15 August 2017
A keen photographer and childcare worker, Teagan Wilford joins Elyse Hudson on Behind the Sash this week. Being involved in the Milton Show is family business for Teagan and she shares her passions for food and her hometown on the episode.
Episode Released: 30 July 2017
In 2014, Alice Magner was selected to represent Casino as their Showgirl. Since then, Alice has become deeply involved in the Agricultural Show movement, through Generation Ag and her local society. She managed to find time between her various community activities to share her experiences as Showgirl and beyond with Elyse.
Episode Released: 13 July 2017
It's been a while between episodes - but Elyse is joined this week by a twice sashed Showgirl. Ashley Meyer-Dilley was asked by Bungendore Show Society to represent them twice as the community's Showgirl, in 2014 and 2015. Since then, Ashley has gone on to become the Show Society Secretary, and is passionate about building youth involvement in Agriculture. Ashley has done some incredible things since gaining the Sash and shares a little of her story with Elyse.
Episode Released: 28 June 2017
Fresh from competing as a finalist in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition - Meg Austin joins Elyse to discuss her journey. Whilst she is proudly from Canowindra, Meg currently studies midwifery in Coffs Harbour. She's heavily involved in both her hometown and her new community and has a passion for rural youth.
Episode Released: 21 May 2017
Last episode, Liberty Nelson - Nowra's 2017 Showgirl - joined Elyse Hudson to talk about her background as a pig farmer and local ranger. This episode is Part 2 of the interview, where Liberty discusses her Showgirl journey from the 2017 Nowra Show all the way to The Land Sydney Showgirl Final in Sydney.
Episode Released: 7 May 2017
Fresh from competing at The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Final, Liberty Nelson joins Elyse Hudson to talk about her life-long involvement with the Show Movement and her incredibly busy schedule. Liberty had lots to talk about and as such, this is Part 1 of her interview.
Episode Released: 24 April 2017
Our last state finalist interview before The Land Sydney Showgirl Final on Sunday is with Narrabri's own Ellen John!
Ellen John, a Year 1 teacher at Narrabri Public School, is a passionate representative for her local community. A townie at heart, Ellen is a tireless advocate for rural education. She joins Elyse in the lead-up to competing at the 2017 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl final and shares about her journey and what makes Narrabri a must-see NSW town.
Episode Released: 7 April 2017
Originally from Sydney, Francesca moved to rural NSW for love. Now she is a passionate ambassador for people to make the same tree change. Whilst Francesca has big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of the 2015 Grenfell Showgirl, Grace Eppelstun, who went on to become the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl, she certainly isn't feeling the pressure. She joins Elyse to talk about her experiences moving from the city to the country and why she is proud to represent her community.
Episode Released: 2 April 2017
With The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl final coming up in just under a fortnight, it's time for a special treat. Instead of fortnightly episodes, Behind the Sash will be releasing weekly episodes with some of the state finalists. This week is part two of 2016 Rydal Showgirl Isabel Hawken's interview.
Coincidentally, this is also episode THIRTY for Behind the Sash.
Sydney Finalist and Rydal Showgirl Isabel Hawken joins Elyse for a second episode. Isabel discusses her journey to Sydney and what she has loved the most about the Showgirl experience, as well as what makes Rydal such a special place.
Episode Released: 27 March 2017
Newly announced Sydney Finalist, Isabel Hawken from Rydal Show Society joins the 2017 Event Cinemas Newcastle Regional Showgirl Elyse Hudson. Izzy shares her passion for nursing, her love of gardening and a few of her experiences as the Rydal Showgirl. It's a big episode - so big that is has been split into two parts. Don't miss part 1 of Elyse's interview with one of the Zone 5 representatives for 2017.
Episode Released: 20 March 2017
Last weekend, Emma Gorman was selected to represent Zone 7 at the Sydney Royal. As promised, here is Elyse's interview with Emma, recorded before the Zone 7 final!
Emma Gorman once lived on a property in Scone, but now studies Medicine at UNSW in Wagga Wagga. When she was in Sydney last month (during the heat wave) she caught up with Elyse to talk about her passion for rural life. Since then, Emma has been selected as a State Finalist at the Zone 7 final.
Episode Released: 3 March 2017
Dubbo Show Society has had a lot of success with their showgirls in the past. Pagan Hockley, the 2016 Showgirl, attributes this to the strong level of support. But she needn't be worried - she has a lot of experience showing chickens. Pagan has lived and studied in a diverse number of places in the Central West and she joins Elyse to share her background and what makes Dubbo fantastic.
Episode Released: 19 February 2017
2016 Peak Hill Showgirl, Mikaela Dart, is more than just a country girl. As nursing student, Mikaela aims to help others and as a Showgirl, she is an enthusiastic supporter of her local community. This week, Elyse finds out a little bit more about Mikaela, her passions and why we should all come visit Peak Hill and it's mid-week show!
Episode Released: 4 February 2017
Sometimes we have to do interviews wherever we can - so this week the Showgirls are coming to you from their local McDonalds! So please excuse the background noise.
This week, Elyse is joined by three passionate women who represent the Upper Hunter. Annie Clendinning and Ali Ward are two passionate Showgirls from the Upper Hunter Region who show the true diversity of the Showgirl movement and, for the first time on Behind the Sash, Elyse is joined by a Junior Showgirl, Holly Witt representing the future of the Showgirl Movement.
Episode Released: 25 January 2017
Happy New Year! In Behind the Sash's first episode for 2017, Elyse is joined by Hiliary Thornberry, the 2016 Tamworth Showgirl. Tamworth Show is undergoing some exciting changes over the next two years and Hiliary is excited to not only represent her community, but be a part of the changes. Tamworth is so much more than Country Music and on this episode, Hiliary shares her love for her region, Alpaca farming and her local show.
Episode Released: 8 January 2017
Merry Christmas Everyone! Elyse is spending Christmas back in Wauchope, where Behind the Sash first started. This episode she is joined by the 2016 Wauchope Showgirl, Jaclyn Lindsay. Jaclyn is a proud representative of her community, rural youth and young women in regional areas who shows Dairy Cattle and competes in Young Farmers Competitions when she isn't busy being Showgirl. Jaclyn squeezes in time for a chat between Christmas shopping trips to share what she loves about Wauchope and her experiences holding the Sash of Wauchope Showgirl.
Episode Released: 24 December 2016
Taylor Baxter is currently busy with harvest on her family farm. When she isn't driving her chaser bin or studying pharmacy, Taylor is deeply involved in her local community, particularly the Junee Show. She's very proud of Junee and joins Elyse on Behind the Sash to share her experiences as the 2015 Junee Showgirl.
Episode Released: 11 December 2016
Full-time Florist Caroline Miller was Berry Show's proud representative for 2016. In a very short space of time, Caroline underwent the Showgirl journey, becoming a state finalist in the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition. She joins Elyse this week to discuss her experiences and what life is like as a young business woman with a passion for flowers, football (rugby) and Berry.
Episode Released: 27 November 2016
Georgia Shellard was a finalist in the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl, proudly representing Bega. In Behind the Sash's 20th episode, Georgia shares her whirlwind journey to the final and shows us that Bega is famous for more than just Bega.
Episode Released: 13 November 2016
Erin Kennedy, the 2015 Murwillumbah Showgirl, is a third generation dairy farmer and has held both the title of the Murwillumbah Showgirl and the Tweed Valley Banana Queen. In the week prior to the 2016 Murwillumbah Show, Erin joins Behind the Sash to talk about her experiences and the area she loves so much.
Episode Released: 31 October 2016
With the recent changes to the judging criteria for The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition, Elyse has invited back Grace Eppelstun, the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl to explain. Grace also shares her experiences as the current Showgirl and her plans for the remainder of her year.
Episode Released: 16 October 2016
2015 Cootamundra Showgirl Lucy Collingridge joins Elyse Hudson on Behind the Sash. A very busy young woman, Lucy is passionate about her show and is involved in organising a large number of events. She also has a great love for sheep, horses and, naturally, the Showgirl Competition. After being a finalist in the 2016 The Land Sydney Showgirl Competition, Lucy shares her journey and a little bit of wisdom for aspiring future Showgirls.
Episode Released: 1 October 2016
In the final episode with Emily Madge, the 2015 Young Showgirl and Runner-Up at the Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition, Elyse explores what Emily learnt about herself during her time at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Elyse also finds out what Emily's plans are for the future, as well as gets a bit of advice for any young woman thinking about entering the competition herself.
Episode Released: 8 August 2016
Part 2 of Elyse's Interview with Emily Madge brings a behind the scenes discussion about Emily's experiences at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Emily talks about what she learnt about herself and the sorts of activities they participate in. Join Elyse for an inside look into the Sydney Royal Experience of a State Finalist in the Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition with the 2016 Runner Up Emily Madge.
Episode Released: 31 July 2016
After a number of false starts - it's finally Emily Madge's turn on Behind the Sash. Whilst she hasn't lived in Young her whole life, she's a proud representative who has a great passion for the land and agriculture. Emily was runner up at the 2016 The Land Sydney Showgirl Competition and also is sharing her experiences at the largest zone final of the year. Join Elyse Hudson for the Part 1 of her interview with Emily.
Episode Released: 24 July 2016
Part 2 of Elyse's interview with the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Grace Eppelstun. Grace shares what she loves about Grenfell and her mission for the year and beyond.
Episode Released: 10 July 2016
It is very exciting for Behind The Sash to Welcome the 2016 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl, Grace Eppelstun from Grenfell. Join Elyse Hudson for Part 1, where Grace discusses her experiences both during and post the competition.
Episode Released: 25 June 2016
Representing Bungendore at the 2016 The Land Sydney Showgirl Competition is just one small part of Stephanie Davies' journey. She has a passion for her community and a great love and involvement with horses. An active member of the ASC Next Gen movement, Steph is also passionate about young people and the show movement.
Episode Released: 11 June 2016
Annie Nichols, the 2015 Showgirl, is a young woman with a great passion for involvement in local community and agricultural shows. A volunteer for the RAS and international traveler extraordinaire, Annie is also a physiotherapist with a dream of improving services in regional NSW. Annie shares wisdom for young potential showgirls as well as what makes Singleton a must visit town of the Hunter Valley region.
Episode Released: 28 May 2016
The 2015 Dubbo Showgirl, Camilla Kenny, is a young woman with passion for community involvement and rural mental health. A finalist in the 2016 Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition, Camilla remains deeply involved in her local area and their shows. Join 2015 Newcastle Showgirl Elyse Hudson as she uncovers what drives such an active, articulate and energetic young woman.
Episode Released: 14 May 2016
This episode is Part 2 of Elyse's interview with 2015 Blacktown Showgirl, Dana Velasco. Dana reflects on her community and the role she sees herself playing in its future.
Dana Velasco was the 2014 and 2015 Blacktown Showgirl, who achieved 3rd place in the 2016 Royal Easter Showgirl Final. She has so much to talk about that it couldn't be contained in one Episode. See Episode 7 (the previous episode) for Part 1 of her chat with Elyse on Behind the Sash.
Episode Released: 29 April 2016
Third placed at the 2016 Royal Easter Show Competition - Dana Velasco subverts typical showgirl roots as the 2015 and 2014 Blacktown Showgirl. She's a passionate young woman with drive to make a difference in her community. Join Elyse Hudson for Part 1 of her interview with Dana to find out a little more about Dana's journey to the 3rd place Sash of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Episode Released: 16 April 2016
Elyse catches up with the 2014 Gosford Showgirl, Samantha Hardie, who was a fellow Zone 5 competitor in 2016 and State Finalist in 2015. Samantha explains her love of Gosford and agriculture, as well as the impact she has seen the Showgirl Movement have on young women.
Episode Released: 1 April 2016
As the State Final Judging is underway for the 2016 Sydney Royal Easter Show, Elyse interviews Ema Woods, who was third in the 2015 competition. Ema is passionate about agriculture and her town of Murwillumbah, with plenty of experience and advice for aspiring young women.
Episode Released: 18 March 2016
After being selected to represent Quirindi as part of the Royal Easter Showgirl Competition - Millie has experienced an amazing journey of personal development. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious and it is little wonder she has been selected as one of two young women to represent Zone 4 at the State Final in Sydney.
Episode Released: 9 March 2016
Representing the North Coast is a big task, particularly when the 2015 Sydney Royal Showgirl is your predecessor. However, if any woman is up to the task, it's Gabriella. Join Elyse to find out about this young woman who is so passionate about her local area and engaging youth in the Show Movement.
Episode Released: 19 February 2016
Power lifter and Rotarian enthusiast with a passion for youth engagement, Scout Symons is the 2015 Casino Showgirl and an amazing representative for Casino and the Show Movement. Join Elyse Hudson, the 2015 Newcastle Regional Showgirl, in discovering what drives Scout in episode 2 of Behind the Sash
Episode Released: 5 February 2016
This week, we are interviewing Ashley Olsen, the 2015 Wauchope Showgirl.
With a passion for horses and youth engagement, Ashley Olsen is a fantastic representative for Wauchope and the Show Movement. Join Elyse Hudson, the 2015 Newcastle Regional Showgirl, in discovering what makes this young lady tick in the first ever episode.
Episode Released: 22 January 2016