Brilliant summer sunshine helped make the 178th Kiama Show a stunning success last weekend.

Crowds flocked to Kiama Showground to see the jam-packed schedule on Friday and Saturday featuring the very best of agricultural life on the South Coast.

There was something for everyone from the gumboot toss, billycart races, the MadStyleMoto Bikes, the Farmfit physical fitness challenge and lawnmower races to cattle judging, showjumping, woodchopping and the pet show.

The iconic two-day event culminated in a spectacular pyrotechnic display with the fireworks lighting up the night sky over the showground.

Visitors to the popular Pavilion at the Show were treated to a wonderful display of art in the downstairs gallery – among them a select number of portraits in the Kia-Bald section.

There were generous cash prizes for first and second place, as well as the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

First prize went to The Bugle’s own Tiffany Springett for her vibrant portrait of her mother, Michelle, while Colleen Behl took out second place with her arresting self-portrait.

Fiona Turner’s endearing painting of her grandson, ‘My Boy’ was the worthy People’s Choice Award. Congratulations to all!

Tiffany is an artist already well known locally for painting the Kiama fire station’s popular cow sculpture and her work with Expressive Arts with her mum.

“It was a lovely painting. We knew straight away it was the right one,” said local artist Greg Martin Vale, who was on the judging panel.

“She has a real ability to spread joy through her work.”

Beyond individual works, he said judging prompted broader discussion about the future of the Kia-bald category and how it defines a “subject”.

“One of the best outcomes was talking about changing the conditions,” he said. “Instead of limiting it to well-known identities, we suggested opening it up to a ‘vibrant, contributing member of the community - dead or alive’.”

He believes that shift could encourage more entries and better reflect the spirit of Kiama.

Another entry by Tiffany in the Kewpie Doll section also featured The Bugle, and yet another in the Kia-bald category featured our general manager, Belle Wood, in a creative mixed media showcase of Kiama.

The Show introduced a special new award this year - The Robert Young Shield for the Most Successful Pot Plant Exhibitor.

This award recognises more than 60 years of dedication to the Kiama Show by Jamberoo dairy farmer Bob Young, and in particular his extraordinary commitment of over 25 years as Head Steward in the Pot Plant and Cacti Section.

Bob’s passion, time and knowledge have helped shape this section into what it is today.

The perpetual shield is truly one of a kind — crafted from one of Bob’s own garden spades, set onto beautiful Jamberoo white cedar by the Kiama Men’s Shed, and expertly engraved by Jimani Trophies.

Bev Hayes (née Unwin) was named the inaugural winner and also took out Best Plant Exhibit with her stunning, large, trailing 25-year-old Hoya.

The Show also helds its awards presentation, announcing the 2026 Rural Ambassador, Rural Youth Ambassador and Young Woman.

Rural Ambassador: Courtney Marsh. A passionate community member with strong agricultural roots, having grown up around her grandparents’ dairy and sheep farms. She has volunteered extensively at the Kiama Show, assisting with woodchopping clean-ups, pavilion exhibits, cattle leading, refereeing touch football and more.

Courtney has led cattle at Kiama, Albion Park and the Sydney Royal Easter Show and continues to show outstanding dedication to agriculture and community involvement.

Rural Youth Ambassador: Holly Sheridan. A dedicated young member of the Kiama Show Society who is actively involved in organising, stewarding and pavilion exhibits. She also supports the pet show and assists with show set-up and pack-down.

Living on a small Jamberoo property, Holly cares for a range of animals and maintains a productive vegetable garden, earning multiple junior awards across decorative, handcraft and cookery sections.

Young Woman 2026: Mia Thompson. The 18-year-old from Albion Park recently transitioned from dairy farming into disability support work while studying veterinary nursing (with a focus on dairy cattle) and completing a Diploma of Agriculture.

She holds Certificate III qualifications in Agriculture and Fitness. Through the program, she hopes to challenge herself, advocate for agricultural communities, and encourage young people, especially those without an agricultural background, to recognise the opportunities within the industry.