Hay locals are future-proofing their careers by upskilling in priority industries with TAFE NSW, including in the booming wool classing industry.

It comes as TAFE NSW wool classing enrolments surge statewide, with the wool industry confronting an ongoing skills shortage.

Former McDonald’s manager Ms Browne, 22, moved to Hay from country Victoria to pursue her dream of working in the wool industry. After completing the Certificate IV in Wool Classing at TAFE NSW Hay in 2022, she immediately gained employment with Willshear Hay.

“I’ve just fallen in love with the industry and to be able to study my course fee-free took a lot of the pressure off,” Ms Browne said.

Hay Merino Sheep Show has seen major changes since the first show, held 72 years ago while still retaining the heritage atmosphere and feel that the exhibitors love and travel for.

Exhibitors travel from NSW, SA and VIC annually. The people involved in the first shows have descendants still contributing to the show today.

President Ian Lugsdin said it was a credit to the Hay district for the longevity of the current and previous committees to maintain the high standard of sheep, both flock and studs, on show for the last 72 shows in its current form, and looks forward to the future of an iconic industry.