Pauline Hanson will open the 2026 Henty Machinery Field Days. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Pauline Hanson has been invited to open a major agricultural field days event in southern NSW, sparking criticism from some residents who say she is a "divisive" figure.
Event organisers say while they have received some criticism, the event has a history of inviting politicians to the opening.
Organisers say Senator Hanson's presence has encouraged some to attend the event.
One of Australia's largest agricultural field days is facing criticism after inviting "polarising" One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to officially open the event later this month.
The Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) held in southern New South Wales is a major showcase for agriculture industries, and also serves as a significant fundraising opportunity for community groups that operate stalls.
Senator Hanson will not be paid by HMFD organisers for her appearance.
Rows of tents and stands on the site of Henty Machinery Field Days. (ABC Goulburn Murray: Greg Ryan)
Boree Creek farmer Graham Strong has been a long-term supporter of the event, but will reconsider attending this year after penning his concerns to organisers about Senator Hanson's invitation, labelling her as "divisive".
"She's vociferous, she's polemic, divisive, all those sorts of things," he told ABC Riverina.
"She loves a sympathetic crowd and she obviously sees one in Farrer because it's a One Nation lower house seat and she's got a plane.
"So yeah I was just absolutely incredulous when I found out … and the fact that so few people seem to be standing up, going this is a problem when I know there are a lot of people out there who are just absolutely incredulous and just going what the heck is going on here."
One Nation candidate Favid Farley (left) and party leader Pauline Hanson (right) celebrate victory in the Farrer by-election. (AAP: Bianca de Marchi)
He also raised concerns about Senator Hanson's vocal stance on climate science and renewables while opening an agricultural event.
Senator Hanson's appearance will come just two years after the event was officially opened by meteorologist Jane Bunn, who was one of the first weather presenters to work with Monash University's Climate Change Communication Research Hub.
