EXCITEMENT is mounting among the 11 young Queensland women chosen to represent the 129 shows across the state at the Brisbane Ekka.
These 11 state finalists are the envy of hundreds of fellow participants in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl awards. Throughout the year, many Queensland shows select their local showgirl. These girls then attend their sub-chamber judging to select one young lady to represent her district at the state final.
Meet the finalists:
BURNETT: Bonnie Coolee, 25
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: Shannon Storey, 22
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND: Helena Sant, 22
CENTRAL & NORTH-WEST: Rikki Frazer, 24
DARLING DOWNS: Michelle Mesner, 23
NEAR NORTH COAST: Brittany Campagnolo
NORTH QUEENSLAND: Taleesha Fegatilli, 22
SOUTH BURNETT: Anita Welch, 20
SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND: Louise Derrick-Fraser, 22
SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND: MKarla James, 20
WEST MORETON & BRISBANE VALLEY: Paris Granzien, 23
Awards chairperson Lorraine Crothers outlines finals:
An action packed itinerary is waiting for the finalists arrival on Wednesday, August 5, until their departure on Sunday, August 9. The Brisbane Riverview Hotel at Hamilton has been the showgirls' home away from home each year for the past 12 years.
While in Brisbane the girls have the opportunity to experience many activities including a tour of the Queensland Country Life building, a visit to Government House and morning tea with Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey.
There's also a tour of Parliament House and lunch hosted by the Speaker Peter Wellington, attending the Ekka and having dinner with RNA president Justice David Thomas, as well as the opportunity to meet valued sponsors along with many Queensland show representatives including Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies (QCAS) president Keith Bettridge.
A highlight this year will include attending the inaugural RNA fundraiser to support children in drought-affected areas.
Hosted by Jane Thomas, the event will raise funds for iPads for children being educated through the Longreach School of Distance Education.
Many of the Showgirl participants are very familiar with the hardships associated with drought, so being able to support this function will be close to their heart.
Their attendance has been made possible through the generous support of Camm Agricultural Group.
The Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies thanks our many valued sponsors of the State Showgirl Awards and welcome on board for 2015 the support of Westpac Agribusiness, Brisbane's Signature Steak Restaurant Cha Cha Char, Jelly Fish Restaurant and Camm Agricultural Group.
Queensland Country Life showgirl awards aim to raise the profile of agricultural shows throughout Queensland by engaging the younger generation.
The Queensland showgirl is the 'face of Queensland Shows' for 12 months.
Her role is to encourage and promote the local show to Queensland's youth.
The awards provide an opportunity for young Queensland women to excel in leadership, community involvement, self-management and confidence.
The 2014 Showgirl runner-up Emma Crozier sums up the awards: "Like many finalists, I have witnessed an inevitable change in myself since the commencement of the awards.
My confidence, esteem and positive outlook on life are now at the forefront of things I value about myself.
"I feel more confident in my position as a law student and future producer and truly believe I have the ability to assist and promote agriculture throughout Queensland."
