The award recognizes a long-term exhibitor who embodies the spirit of the show and is named after Mr Ross  who was a member of the special show family until his death in 2008.

The American-born Australian artist and showman was famous for his miniature silhouette portraits cut in black card.

He established his name on the show circuit, with generations of families taking their children to have their portraits cut out by him. In 2006 he was named an “Ekka Legend” by the Brisbane Exhibition  and in 2007 was named a “Show Legend” at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Mrs Dowling said the award was all the more poignant because she had met the artist years ago.

“I remember John Ross doing a silhouette of myself and my brother,” she said in an interview with the Royal Agricultural Society’s publication The Bush Telegraph

“He had a tiny stand with a little pair of scissors and he would do a perfect silhouette of you. I must have only been about 10 – it’s very special to have such a perfect piece that has your younger features… especially as you get older,” Mrs Dowling said.

A long time show exhibitor Mrs Dowling said she was elated to have won the award this year for her stall Dowling’s Country Collection – which features quality natural fibre products and country-style clothing - which is housed in the Fashion and Style Pavilion.

“It gives me a kick – it really is a great honour because it is judged around the whole showground,” she said.

Mrs Dowling travels to the show each year and is so prominent in her life, even the lambing on the Murringo property she shares with husband Gordon, has to fit in.

“The show is the main event of the year. I actually try to organise the sheep so they don’t start lambing until it is finished,” she said.

Now in her 35th year at the show, Mrs Dowling is well loved by her fellow exhibitors.

She said her passion for wool began at an early age, sparking a lengthy career in wool production and sale.

“It started with feeding the lambs with my father… that’s when I first fell in love with wool,” she said.

“I’ve been a country girl all my life – I just love it. I design all of my pieces and I do all the colours,” she said.