Community & Business
6 May, 2025
Excitement builds for the 2025 Gilgandra Show
The Gilgandra Show is on this week
The countdown is on for the 2025 Gilgandra Show, set to take place on Friday and Saturday this week at the Gilgandra Showground. Now in its 109th year, the show promises two jam-packed days of agricultural excellence, thrilling entertainment, and vibrant community spirit.
Saturday is the main day, with an impressive lineup of attractions from early morning until well after dark. From showjumping and horse ring events to livestock judging and reptile shows, there’s something for everyone in the family. The show also features unique contests such as the Modified Pushbike Competition, Speed Shear, and the crowd-favourite Farmers Challenge.
Local Chris Kunko will be a roving artist on the Saturday and is hoping to paint as many portraits as possible of people attending the show. Each portrait will be finished within five minutes, painted with ink on quality rag printmaking paper. Chris will be capturing the essence of the subjects’ portrait in a expressive contemporary pop style.
One of the major highlights this year is the Aussie FMX Freestyle Motocross Show, with adrenaline-pumping performances scheduled throughout the day. As the sun sets, the Showground comes alive with live music from Ben Ransom and the spectacular Ahrens Fireworks Extravaganza lighting up the night sky.
The show continues to honour its rich agricultural roots with a wide range of competitive sections including cattle, sheep, poultry, fleece wool, produce, cookery, photography, needlework, and more. Young locals can get involved in the youth program, which includes the Young Woman Award and the charming Tiny Tots showcase. “This year’s show is set to be bigger and better than ever,” said Alan Smith, president of the Gilgandra Show Society. “We’re proud to offer something that brings together tradition and excitement and truly celebrates the talent and passion of our community.”
Tickets are available online; attendees are encouraged to buy early to save. Children under five enter free with a paying adult, and special discounts are available for families and pensioners.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or first-time visitor, the 2025 Gilgandra Show is the place to be this weekend – a proud tradition bringing the community together through agriculture, entertainment, and unforgettable memories.
Show Fine Arts judge: Hannah Zaidan
Gilgandra Show’s Fine Arts Section has secured the talent of Hannah Zaidan to undertake the difficult task of judging for 2025.
Hannah has previous experience judging the regional Waste 2 Art Competition.
She said she is looking forward to being presented with the width and breadth of Gilgandra’s local artistic expression and seeing every age group and diversity of artworks and artists represented.
Hannah Zaidan is an artist based in Dubbo NSW. She has obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Newcastle. Along with her studies she completed a Fine Arts and Architectural course in Rome Italy which has heavily influenced her work and style. She has exhibited her work across Regional NSW and has sold her work both privately and through commissions.
Hannah is currently working as the engagement officer for Western Plains Cultural Centre, which allows her to actively work within the arts community.
She has a realistic approach and her practice spans across multiple mediums, with a particular focus on acrylic and oil painting, as well as graphite and charcoal drawings. Her subject matter is heavily inspired by her personal travels and explores themes surrounding culture and identity and the beauty of our natural world through landscape and animal depictions.
