THE TWEED River Agricultural Society host the 2019 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Zone 1 Final at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre on March 16.
Murwillumbah Showgirl Zone Coordinator Belinda Grace said two showgirls will be selected at the competition, which includes 23 show societies that extend from Gloucester and Taree to Murwillumbah.
“It’s a real privilege to have such a big event here and it’s really inspirational for the girls,” Ms Grace said.
“Being a Showgirl is beneficial in many ways for a young lady’s life – it builds self-esteem, public speaking skills, teaches interview processes, life skills, community involvement and they meet other like-minded contestants as well as being inspirational role models for other young girls.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to help shape a life in a positive way. Although I was part of Pony Club growing up, I didn’t know about the showgirl event and can’t help but wish that I had been part of it when I was younger.”
Show Society Treasurer Ralph Kramer said the contestants are judged on public speaking skills, presentation, community involvement and knowledge and understanding of rural issues and agriculture in their region.
“The winners of the zone final will compete in the State Final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April where the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize amongst other awards and prizes,” Mr Kramer said.
“Everyone who enters becomes role models for other young girls and are an inspiration for the whole community.
“Our local competition was contested by six entrants and the winner, Delani O’Brien will represent The Tweed River Agricultural Society at the Zone Final where all the 13 regional finalists will give a presentation and the winners will be announced.”
Delani told The Weekly it has been a great experience.
“In the Murwillumbah Show contest we went around and met our local farmers and saw what it’s like to work on a farm,” she said.
Delani grew up on five acres at Nobby’s Creek and travelled around the country with her parents, sparking a deep love of the land.
“A lot to those places are now drought stricken areas and it’s terrible,” Delani said.
“It affects everybody, not just the farmer and the fact that it’s still going on and we have all these charities still trying to raise money but people have stopped giving is sad.
“The kids out there can’t be kids and have fun because they are so aware of the pressures their parents are facing and are exposed to those mental health pressures at a young age which is really sad.”
The 20-year-old works at the Sugar Beat Cafe, a beauty salon in Tweed Heads and has her own cleaning business.
“Ultimately I would like to meld the beauty side of it with agricultural and go out into those more remote areas,” she said.
“I’d like to bring women together to talk about beauty and things like skin cancer prevention.
“Just bringing them together is really good for their mental health so that’s something I’d like to look at in the future.”
Delani said she is already in contact with the other finalists through social media and looking forward to meeting them at the event.
Tickets include a meal and entertainment with drinks available at the bar. For more information contact the Show Secretary on (02) 6672 5507 or email secretary@murwillumbahshow.com.
