Kate Hepburn was announced as the 2025 North Coast National Young Woman winner and Elsie Wilkinson as the Teen Showgirl winner at the annual presentation event at the Lismore Showground in North Lismore last night.

Day 1 of the 2025 Elders Lismore Show starts this Thursday, with both young ladies playing a part. Kate will embark on a twelve-month journey of self-improvement as she aims to win and represent the Northern Coast National Zone 1 at the Sydney Royal Easter Sunday Show in early April 2026.

To help with Kate's journey over the next year, her prizes included $1,000 cash from the Far North Coast Law Society, a Deportment Course in Dubbo valued at $600 from Mortgage Choice Lismore, a piece of jewellery from the Jewellery Design Centre and chocolates, perfumes and gifts from Warren Innes Contracting.

As the winner of Teen Showgirl, Elsie walked away with $250 cash, chocolates, perfumes and gifts from Warren Innes Contracting.

(North Coast National Young Woman winner Kate Hepburn (left) and Teen Showgirl winner Elsie Wilkinson)

Vice President of the North Coast National, Lyndal Gordon, 2019 Showgirl Serena Perren and sponsor Warren Innes were the judges in the hot seat last night.

The Young Woman and Teen Showgirl is the start of a journey to fund and support Lismore's future female leaders. Just by entering, the five young ladies displayed courage and leadership skills, experiencing the daunting world of public speaking to express their passions and how they can help and represent the community.

Kate Hepburn ticked all the boxes for the judges, working as a livestock handler for the Casino Saleyards, a sales assistant for the Casino Steakbarn and as an assistant nurse for St Vincent's Hospital in Lismore, while in her second year at Southern Cross University to become a registered nurse, with an ambition to specialise in paediatric nursing.

Kate also has a passion for the agricultural industry. She wants to expand her Speckled Park cattle stud and will compete against her brother in this year's Elders Lismore Show in the show ring, along with entrants from all over NSW and South East Queensland. North Coast National President John Gibson said there was a record number of entries in the cattle categories in 2025.

Having a passion for rural NSW and the ag industry, Kate told a story about how she helped a terminally ill Lismore High School student who was terrified of animals.

"I do remember one girl in particular, I took her under my wing at school. Her grandmother came to the show and watched her lead an animal around the ring, and she burst into tears because she never thought she would see that. For a little 12-year-old girl who was very sick, it was an enjoyable experience, and I was pleased to be part of that."

Teen Showgirl winner Elsie Wilkinson had a completely different story. The 15-year-old Kyogle student is transferring to St John's College Woodlawn to further her passion for rugby league. Starting in Murwillumbah Colts three year's ago, Elsie has progressed to being part of this year's Under 17 Marist Brothers tackle team that won the premiership undefeated, and was selected to be part of a NSW Regional Rugby League squad where she was mentored by Kylie Hilder, the NSW Rugby League Development Officer and former Australian player.

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was so much fun," Elsie told the crowd.

Elsie's ultimate goal is to play in the NSWRLW. On the way, she wants to be part of the development of women's rugby league, and has taken on refereeing duties this year, which has boosted her confidence and improved her own game.

As you can read, the future leaders of Lismore and the Northern Rivers are in good hands. Congratulations to all five entrants, Kate Hepburn, Zahlie Walker, Elsie Wilkinson, Madeleine Donnelly and Ebony Micallef for putting their hands up for North Coast National Young Woman and Teen Showgirl in 2025.

(From left: Ebony Micallef, Madeleine Donnelly, Kate Hepburn, Elsie Wilkinson and Zahlie Walker)

With the 2025 Elders Lismore Show four days away, North Coast National President John Gibson was optimistic about another hugely successful three days with the return of the rodeo, four new rides from Melbourne is side-show alley, record entries in the cattle categories, full pavilions and the regular family attractions, such the Monster Trucks, FMX bikes, Water Jet Pack and fireworks to wrap up each night.

Of particular interest to John was the weather. The BoM is forecasting mostly sunny skies, with temperatures in the mid-20s. There is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday, but only a maximum of 3mm is expected.

Tickets are on sale now. You can pre-book your tickets here.

See you at the Show!