Celebrity guest presenter Tom Hawkins took time out to enjoy the show with his family, including son Henry.
There were plenty of ribbons presented at the Finley Show on Sunday, but the biggest winners were the people who came to enjoy an amazing day out.
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In stark contrast to 2025, it was glorious spring weather for the 108th edition of the annual show.
A steady stream of attendees flowed through the gate throughout the day, with families celebrating Father’s Day chief among them.
And with the Finley Football Netball Club’s reserves footballers playing in the semi finals at Cobram, supporters popped in early to enjoy the show before the game.
“Finley Show always contends with football and netball finals, but it’s great to see players and supporters still coming out to the show before or after the game,” Finley Show president Kevin Sexton said.
“We’d like to thank all the competitors, exhibitors and sponsors, without everyone like this we can’t have a show.
“And a special thank you to our committee and all the wonderful volunteers that we have.
“Without their hours of tireless work behind the scenes, days like this don’t happen.”
A highlight of the day was the Wynne Hawkins Memorial ‘Champion of Champions’ award, awarded by celebrity judge Tom Hawkins.
Young Woman Alanna Steel and Junior Show Ambassador Abbey Tanner.
He sashed Peter Kylstra’s Progress Valentine V2, which also won Supreme Beef Exhibit of the Show.
Finley’s Robyn O’Leary finally had her chance to official open the show, missing out last year when wet weather cancelled the grand parade.
“I’m very honoured to have been asked to open the show and echo Kevin’s sentiments about the work that they’ve done behind the scenes to bring a day like this to the community,” Mrs O’Leary said.
The main pavilion was packed with showgoers perusing all the exhibits, with Jane Middlebrook taking out the Joyce Yeo Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Pavilion Exhibit, and Kitt Lawton runner-up.
There was tough competition in the school displays, but the Best Non-Commercial Static display ultimately went to Finley Public School. And Pether Ag once again took out Best Commercial Display.
Finley will be well-represented in the ambassador competitions over the next 12 months, with Alanna Steel announced as the 2026 Finley Young Woman and Abbey Tanner the 2026 Finley Junior Show Ambassador.
Alanna is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at CSU, with a goal to learn more about working on a large sheep property before running the family’s property.
She will now go onto represent Finley at the Zone 7 Final in Ganmain in February next year.
Show committee Ellen Bouwman with Lady of the Day Judy Rourke, and Judy's daughter Catherine Healy.
Abbey is in Year 10 at Finley High School and is very active in its show team, and led cattle in the beef over the weekend.
She will go onto represent Finley at the GVRSA Regional Final in March next year.
Also dressed to impress were the entrants in the Junior Showgoers competition, which made it tough for the judges.
The same judges awarded Lady and Father of the Day to spectators, choosing Judy Rourke and John Hay for the respective honours.
There was plenty to keep attendees entertained across the entire ground, from the Utility Dog Trials, through the local market stalls and sideshow alley, right down to the machinery displays.
The Conargo Whipcrackers drew large crowds for each of their performances, while Tiny Tails Wildlife Discovery attracted those who wanted to get up close and personal with reptiles, including a baby crocodile. The free camel rides were a hit, while everyone was queueing for free face painting with Cheeky Smiles.
Father of the Day John Hay with his children.
Finley Bakery’s free cupcake decorating in the main pavilion was also as popular as ever.
Finley’s Deb Shaw won the lucky gate prize, a $350 Whitton Malt House voucher.
“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from attendees and exhibitors, and we’re already looking ahead to the first Sunday in September 2027,” Mr Sexton said.
During clean-up on Monday, straw from the sheep and cattle pavilions, and horse stables, were raked out and is now available for locals to collect for their gardens.
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