The Bega Show Society had much to celebrate this year, including having Bega Showgirl Brodie Chester winning the state title at the Sydney Royal Easter Show – the first time in the history of The Land competition a winner has come from Bega.

Ms Chester was a special guest on Saturday night and among several guests presented with special certificates on behalf of Andrew Constance and the State Government.

Also recognised on the night were retiring Bega Showground Trust members Marie Smith and Col Rogers, who have served on the Trust for 30 and 33 years respectively.

Trust chairman Charlie Bell presented the certificates on behalf of Mr Constance, quipping that both joined “before records began”.

“I’ll always be proud of the showground and what it stands for,” Ms Smith said.

Mr Rogers spoke on his history with the Trust, thankful its financial guarantee of the Show Society was never called upon.

“I joined when my father retired –it’s time now for someone else to step in to these shoes,” he said.

The night was also used in part to welcome new Show Society president Peter Hull to his role, with outgoing president Norm Pearce stepping down at the end of his term last week.