AFTER a whirlwind schedule, nerve-wracking judging, and about a million changes of clothes, Monto’s Donna Baker has been crowned as this year’s 2013 Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl.
Hailing from the North Burnett, Donna said her involvement in her local show had planted the seed long ago to run for Miss Showgirl.
“Deep down I have always wanted to be in the Showgirl competition,” Donna said.
“I just had to make sure I timed it right so I could give the competition my all.
“I remember being quite saddened by an article in the local paper highlighting a lack of interest in the competition across Queensland and so I decided I was going to try and represent my town.”
A proud member of her local community, Donna was lured back to the community after studying Beauty Therapy on the Sunshine Coast.
“The people are really special and all the support I have had has been incredibly overwhelming.”
A feeling that is clearly reciprocated judging by the impressive number of supporters making the long drive from the Burnett to support their entrant.
“When I found out I had won, I had an out of body experience where it felt like I was sitting in the crowd with all of my friends and family just watching,” Donna said.
“I was so dazed and can’t even remember what happened.
“But I have been told the auditorium erupted with cheers from my family and friends.
The highlight for this girl from the sticks in coming to the big smoke has been having the privilege to see Ekka from the inside-out.
“I am usually here as a competitor with our Red Brangus cattle,” she said.
“It’s been so eye-opening to see all the hard work that goes into making such a successful event.
Donna said her average weekends on their cattle property in Eidsvold would involve doing some housework and cooking, and then throwing on some jeans to head out mustering, no doubt a thing of the past for her now.
“I guess things are going to change from now,” Donna said.
Showing no signs of apprehension, Donna said she is instead thrilled with the up-coming events on her social calendar.
“I am so excited for the coming year with the opportunities to travel and meet new people and visit my fellow showgirl finalists.
“We have honestly formed friendships that I think will last a long time.”
A staunch lover of the bush, in a bid to attract more young people to the country, Donna plans to advocate the relaxed nature of a rural lifestyle over the coming year.
“You work hard and play hard,” she said.
“It really fills my soul and that’s why I like it.”
While the task of this year’s judging panel – Mr Ross Douglas, RNA Councillor, Mr Geoff Bush, Agricultural Societies council NSW Ltd president, Mrs Petrina O’Hara, Sunny Queen Australia, and Mrs Lillian Krog, Member of the Original Miss Showgirl Awards Committee – was envied by none, Donna’s genuine passion for the Show Movement shone like a beacon.
“Shows are the heart of a community,” she said.
“They remind us of our traditions and celebrate the best of our bush.
“I don’t think they are dying out or archaic, but I can’t wait to spend this year as an advocate to encourage more people to get involved.
Both new friend and competitor, Alexandra Turner from Goondiwindi, was a very close runner-up to Donna.
Born and raised on a cotton property, Alex attended boarding school at Toowoomba Prep before going on to St Hilda’s on the Gold Coast and then studying accounting at Bond University.
Inspired to enter by her predecessor, Alex said the competition has been a life-changing experience.
“After winning Goondiwindi Miss Showgirl, I became the show society treasurer and really enjoyed getting more involved,” Alex said.
“I think the next year is going to be amazing.”
As the final girl honoured at Ekka, Cloncurry’s Ruth Donovan took out the very appropriate Miss personality sash.
Brimming with passion and joy, and completed humble, Ruth said she picked both Alex and Donna as worthy recipients.
A Brisbane girl initially, Ruth moved to Cloncurry to teach at a rural school, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I remember flying in and seeing the beautiful blues and greens against the red dirt,” she said.
“I really love my new community and love how much space there is in the country.
“I am having so much fun out there and have loads of friends, so even after my service I want to stay in a country community.”
An advocate for authenticity, Ruth advised any budding showgirls for next year to, “just be yourself, have fun, and seriously get involved.”
