In a historic moment for the Woodstock Memorial Show, the organization has appointed its youngest-ever female president during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on March 5th 2025. This significant achievement comes as the show continues to evolve and strengthen its place in the community, with fresh leadership paving the way for future growth. The newly appointed president, Lily Lawler, brings a dynamic vision to the role, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement and innovation as ket to the future of the event. At just 20 years old, Lily has already proven herself to be an outstanding leader within the show, working closely with previous organisers to enhance the show’s community reach. Lily has a rich and diverse background that ties together her passion for agriculture, community involvement and family. Growing up on her family’s farm she developed a deep affiliation with the land, from producing merino fleeces to assisting with the family’s egg business. After attending St Raphael’s Catholic School, Holmwood Primary schools and Cowra High. Lily moved into the workforce and currently works full time for the Wright family. Her role there is multifaceted focusing on lamb production, as well as contributing to the cropping management, making her a key player in the day to day operations of the farm business. Lily’s commitment to the community is equally impressive, she is the current treasurer of the Woodstock and District Progress Association. Her volunteer work extends to the local bowling, sport and recreation club, local shows, and her role as secretary of the Milburn Creek Rural Fire Service. In her downtime Lily enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulges in her love of working dogs and horses. She also has a creative side capturing the essence of rural life through her camera lens. In 2023 the Woodstock Memorial Show acknowledged Lily’s active contribution to the event, her commitment and dedication, she was presented with a Youth Contribution Award by the ASC of NSW Next Gen Securing the Future of Agriculture Ribbon. “I am incredibly honoured to take on this responsibility. The Woodstock Memorial Show has always been a cherished part of our community, and I’m excited to lead the charge in engaging more young people and ensuring the show continues to thrive for generations to come,” Lily said during her acceptance speech. Lily takes over from Ben Johnstone, who has served as President for the past three years. Ben Johnstone’s tenure saw the recruitment of new volunteers, the expansion of exhibitor categories, and the introduction of modern technologies to improve the event experience. His leadership has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the show, and he remains committed to supporting Lily during her presidency. “I’m thrilled to pass the baton to Lily,” said Ben. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some great individuals throughout my time as president, and I’m confident that with her fresh perspective and energy, the show will continue to grow and evolve. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see how she shapes it.” One of the key initiatives Johnstone spearheaded was the recruitment of young people to ensure the longevity of the Memorial Show. Under his guidance, a new generation of volunteers and leaders was brought on board, providing the organization with a fresh and diverse pool of talent. Johnstone’s unwavering belief in the importance of youth involvement in the show’s operations has been one of his most lasting contributions. Lily, has already begun considering new ideas for the event, and is eager to continue this work, focusing on fostering a sense of community, creativity, and collaboration among younger participants. “The future of the show relies on encouraging and empowering youth to take ownership of its success,” she added. “We need to ensure that the Woodstock Memorial Show remains relevant to younger generations and that they have a platform to express their talents, whether through exhibitions, performances, or volunteering.”
