Emma Pritchard

Smiling proudly, Reny Dooley was “thrilled and excited” and “brought to tears” when she made history at the 2023 Grafton Show last week, becoming the first candidate to win back-to-back Woman of the Land titles.

A proud ambassador for the Clarence Valley and her local community, the 19-year-old said all she wants to do is help create more avenues for young people to become involved with the Grafton Show each year, and celebrate who they are while making new friends, challenging themselves, and having plenty of fun.

Describing her passionate ambitions as the motivation behind her decision to nominate again in 2023, Reny said it’s important for everyone to be themselves, and to never be afraid of trying new experiences.

While she revealed she has big plans as she prepares to represent the Grafton Show Society for the second time at the Zone 1 finals in 2024, Reny said she would also like to see Man of the Land become a state-wide competition within the next 12 months.

“I think it would be great if we could also encourage more boys and men to get involved with the competition, and the Grafton Show,” she said.

“I’d tell them, ‘Don’t worry about what other boys might think, just give it a go and have fun.’

As she offered her congratulations to her fellow candidates following the presentation on April 28, and acknowledged the Grafton Show Society and coordinator Carmell Sanne for their assistance throughout the competition, Reny also said she hoped everyone enjoyed themselves at the 2023 Grafton Show.    

During the night, Lachlan Foster was announced as the 2023 Senior Man of the Land, Tilly Marsh and Montanna Newcombe were both presented with sashes as they shared the title of 2023 Junior Showgirl, Caleb Foster won the 2023 Junior Man of the Land, Ruby Egan won the 2023 Tween Showgirl, and Harrison Light was named the 2023 Boy of the Barn.