With a history dating back over 60 years, The Land Sydney Royal AgShows Young Woman competition celebrates the community spirit and leadership of young women in rural and regional NSW. The Bangalow Herald caught up with Summer Chaseling, Bangalow’s Young Woman of the Year, is an ambassador for all things agriculture and regional living.
You were named Young Woman at the Bangalow Show in 2024. Tell us a bit about where that has taken you since.
I have just won at Zone alongside Phoebe Southwell (Kempsey Young Woman). We will represent Zone 1 at the Sydney Royal Show 2025 in The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition.
What or who inspired you to enter the Young Woman competition?
My passion for agriculture is the driving force behind entering the Young Woman of the Show competition. Seeing friends go through this experience and hearing about their incredible journeys encouraged me to give it a go. For me, this competition is about more than just personal growth—it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and help raise awareness of the agricultural sector.
As you progress through the competition, what has been the most rewarding experience so far?
The most rewarding part of this journey has been the opportunity to connect with such a diverse range of people. From my fellow competitors to the judges, sponsors and supporters, this experience has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities within the industry. Building these relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations about agriculture has been a highlight of my experience so far. The competition celebrates the leadership and community involvement of young rural women.
Can you share an example of the ways you demonstrate these qualities?
Giving back to the community is something I believe in deeply, no matter where I am in the world.
In 2014, my family lived on a boat, travelling through Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, where we supported local schools by donating much-needed supplies.
In 2022, alongside my father, I assisted in the Lismore flood evacuation and cleanup, witnessing firsthand the strength and resilience of the Northern Rivers community.
I’ve been a long-time member of Summerland Dressage Club and Brunswick Valley Pony Club, always keen to lend a hand where needed.
Currently, I’m in Canberra, participating in March On, a charity walk supporting Australian veterans by symbolising the distance of the Kokoda Trail. By walking, we raise funds and awareness for our brave heroes’ mental health.
I hope to continue contributing to more community initiatives throughout the year. To me, leadership in this industry means being a role model—encouraging young people to support their communities and inspiring the next generation to step up in times of need. In a rapidly changing world, fostering leadership in young people is more important than ever.
What is one message or cause you are passionate about, and how does/will the Young Woman title allow you to raise awareness or create change?
I am incredibly passionate about creating pathways into agriculture for young people. Growing up in Byron Bay, without direct ties to a farm, I had to navigate my way into the industry on my own. Thankfully, I had an inspiring agricultural teacher in high school who encouraged me to chase my dream and study AgBusiness.
So, I took a leap—moving to the University of New England without knowing a soul, driven purely by my passion for agriculture. That decision changed my life. I spent three incredible years learning about the industry, met my wonderful fiancé, and built friendships that now span across Australia and the world.
Through this competition, I hope to share my story and inspire other young people— especially those without traditional farm backgrounds—to step outside their comfort zones, explore opportunities in agriculture and pursue their passion with confidence.
What is one skill you have gained through being part of this event, and how can you see this experience shaping your future goals and aspirations?
Through this competition, both at the local and zone levels, I have truly come to appreciate the power of storytelling and advocacy. Being able to share my experiences and engage with industry leaders has reinforced my belief in the importance of effective communication in agriculture.
This experience has given me the confidence to continue using my voice to promote careers in agriculture, highlight the diversity of our industry and inspire the next generation. Moving forward, I hope to build on these skills and further contribute to the future of Australian agriculture.
Wishing Summer all the best for the Sydney Royal Show.
Feature image by Lyn McCarthy Niche Pictures