News
26 August, 2025
Toogoolawah triumphs Ekka
Toogoolawah siblings Clancie and Dusty Düll, along with fellow Toogoolawah State High School (SHS) student James, secured first place in the prestigious Interschool Judging Competition at the 2025 Royal Queensland Show.
Each of them spent countless hours on their family properties, at cattle camps and clinics across the region, developing the skills needed to handle, prepare and judge livestock at a professional level. The Dülls took out top wins in cattle competitions and attended nearly 20 agricultural shows this year.
Sixteen-year-old Clancie, who was elected the spokesperson of the team, admitted she was nervous about speaking in front of so many people but surprised herself with the win.
“I knew what I’d say about the animals we had to judge, but then I also had to take into consideration what the rest of the team would say about them,” she said. “The three of us all looked for the same things when judging, so it was quite easy.”
Thirteen-year-old Dusty also shared his surprise at the result, adding he was very impressed with their achievement, as it was their first time competing in this category and representing the school.
“I thought maybe we would come as a highly commended, but then we came first and all of us were shocked,” he said. “Me and James were just really happy of how Clancie spoke. We couldn’t have done a better job.”
But the team’s success in the Interschool Judging was just one of several highlights for the duo, as both Clancie and Dusty also excelled in individual competitions. Dusty got second out of roughly 80 competitors in the School Paraders 12 to 14 year age group, while Clancie also came second in the 16 to 18 year age group, out of over 100 kids.
Clancie also had the exciting experience of competing in the State Prime Judging category for the first time, having received compliments on her speaking abilities. There are many components for points within the judging competition: placing, presentation and speaking ability. The overall winner is determined by the total amount of points collated.
“I didn’t get champion or reserve champion, however, the judge told me that I scored the most on my speaking ability,” she said. “So I actually beat the competitors that won, when it came to the talking ability points. I was just happy to be there and, honestly, it probably means more to me that I got the most amount of points for my speaking.”
Both siblings also participated in the Open Paraders event, where they represented local livestock breeders. Clancie and Dusty led heifers for McAlpine Livestock, with Dusty receiving a “highly commended” in his age group and Clancie placing third in hers.
Toogoolawah SHS Agriculture Teacher, Angela Lynch, said the students’ achievements reflected their personal commitment and passion for the industry.
“While the school program provides opportunities for competition and support, the bulk of the hard work has been done by these students in their own time,” she said. “The hours they’ve put in at home and at cattle camps are what has really set them apart.”
Toogoolawah SHS Principal Ross Jardine said the first place win by the trio was a remarkable accomplishment and a proud moment for the entire community.
“The Ekka is Queensland’s most high-profile agricultural event, and to come away with first place against such strong competition is a credit to their skill, dedication, and passion for agriculture,” he said. “Judging competitions aren’t just about livestock assessment. They build confidence, decision-making skills, public speaking ability, and real-world industry connections. Our students put in the hard work, showed resilience, and backed themselves when it mattered. They’ve done Toogoolawah SHS proud.”
Clancie and Dusty thanked the community, breeders, school, and sponsors for their support.
