Fashions on the Field.
Dress to impress.
The Goondiwindi Picnic races is an event synonymous with tradition and style, a magical time of year where fashion takes pride of place alongside premier thoroughbred racing.
Racegoers embrace the latest styles and trends of season, creating a magnificent spectacle of glamour, personality and sophistication with fine tailoring and beautiful millinery taking centre stage as visitors flock to the track.
From contemporary glamour to staunch tradition, there is something to excite fashion lovers of all kinds. So whether you’re hoping to compete at Fashions on the Fields or simply looking for an excuse to get dressed up, Goondiwindi Picnic Races is the place to celebrate.
OUR MAJOR SPONSOR.
Smithfield Cattle Company
In 2026, Smithfield Cattle Company will return as our Fashions on the Field Major Sponsor.
Smithfield Cattle Company is a specialist beef cattle lot feeding business.
We couldn’t run Fashions on the Field without them.
So, we just wanted to make a special mention right here, to say thanks.
OUR 2026 JUDGES
Nicky Charman
Welcome to our first Smithfield Cattle Company Fashions on the Field Judge for 2026 – Nicky Charman!
Nicky is the founder of Calexico, Brisbane’s favourite destination for international luxury fashion.
With over 20 years in the industry, Nicky has built a reputation for her impeccable eye for style and her belief that great dressing is about confidence, elegance, and feeling truly yourself.
A familiar face to many in the Goondiwindi community through years of cherished friendships and loyal clients, Nicky is honoured to be joining this special day and can’t wait to celebrate the incredible style and spirit that makes the Goondiwindi Picnic Races such a beloved event.
No doubt she will have her work cut out for her on the runway this year!
@calexicoaustralia
Susie Garmeister
Our second judge joining us for Smithfield Cattle Company Fashions on the Field in 2026 is Susie Garmeister!
Susie was raised on the Darling Downs, where she grew up on a horse stud and developed a lifelong appreciation for horses, country life and the traditions of the racing community.
With strong rural roots and a natural eye for style, Susie has spent most of her adult life working in the fashion industry, and was lucky enough to be able to purchase the beautiful Florence and Marabel fashion Boutique in Toowoomba over three years ago.
Her background gives her a wonderful balance of practical horse knowledge and fashion expertise, making her a fitting judge for our event at the Goondiwindi Picnic Races!
Sarah Taylor
Our final Smithfield Cattle Company Fashions on the Field judge for 2026 is Sarah Taylor!
As a Charleville local Sarah Taylor has a discerning eye for a fantastic Fashions on the Field entry. In a fashion career spanning two decades, Sarah has excelled as a competitor, MC and judge. Notably judging at major Queensland race days including the Birdsville Races, Alpha Jockey Club and Roma Cup. After copious experience crafting bespoke racewear for herself and others, Sarah has a keen eye for seasonal distinctions and finer details.
Sarah has a distinguished career as a teacher in rural communities. Currently fulfilling her passion for education as the Principal at Tambo State School.
How to enter.
The Smithfield Cattle Company Fashions on the Field follows a nomination process.
To enter, simply fill in a nomination form. These will be available on the day from the Fashions on the Field tent.
Nominations must be submitted by strictly 2:00pm AEST.
A team of Fashion on the Field spotters, who will be wearing identifiable Goondiwindi Picnic Races badges, will also wander amongst racegoers looking for potential entrants.
The competition will commence at 3:00pm AEST.
2026 sections + prizes.
Best Dressed Couple
Entrants should be individually outstanding and make a coordinated pair.
Men’s outfits should include a suit or jacket and tie.
Women’s must include headwear and complementary seasonally suitable accessories.
Both outfits should reflect current fashion trends and be suitable for the season and the weather on the day.
PRIZE: 7 nights accomodation at The Peninsular Mooloolaba in a 3 bedroom executive self contained oceanfront apartment to the value of $3,570.
Thanks to The Peninsular Mooloolaba for kindly donating the voucher for this prize.
Best Dressed Classic Lady
Timeless style and originality, with a clear comprehension of the interpretation of race wear.
Outfit should be appropriate for the season and the weather on the day.
It should include suitable shoes and coordinated accessories.
Head wear is essential.
PRIZE: In store voucher to the value of $800.
Thanks to Goondiwindi Cotton for kindly donating this prize.
Best Dressed Classic Man
Should display an understanding of male race wear with appropriateness for the season and weather on the day.
The outfit should be individualised with accessories such as a hat, lapel flower, cufflinks or pocket handkerchief.
Jackets, waistcoats and ties in line with current fashion trends are encouraged.
PRIZE: In store voucher to the value of $800.
Thanks to Arthur Schofield & Co. for kindly donating the voucher for this prize.
Best Dressed Contemporary Lady
An original outfit demonstrating a stylish interpretation of current trends in fashion.
Outfit should be appropriate for the season and the weather on the day.
It should include attention to detail in accessories.
Head wear is essential and should be of a contemporary design to complement the outfit.
PRIZE: In store voucher to the value of $800.
Thanks to Sparkes Jewellers for kindly donating the voucher for this prize.
Best Dressed Young Lad
Males aged 18-25 years
Should display an understanding of male race wear with appropriateness for the season and weather on the day.
The outfit should be individualised with accessories such as a hat, lapel flower, cufflinks or pocket handkerchief.
Jackets, waistcoats and ties in line with current fashion trends are encouraged.
PRIZE: In store voucher to the value of $800.
Thanks to North West Rural Supplies for kindly donating the voucher for this prize.
Millinery Award
Should make a clear fashion statement yet fully complement the outfit.
Style and design should demonstrate originality and be appropriate for the season.
Head wear should be individualised with original detail.
PRIZE: In store prize to the value of $300.
Thanks to Stirling Belle for kindly donating this prize.
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors.
We consider ourselves pretty lucky to have such awesome support behind Fashions on the Field each year.
Thanks to everyone who makes it possible.
A few notes about our Fashions on the Field program:
Only suitably qualified judges are selected to judge the Fashions on the Field.
Judges are selected independently from the Goondiwindi Picnic Races Committee and do not reside in Goondiwindi.
The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.