The agricultural show season is upon us and, following in the footsteps of last year’s Miss Showgirl contributor, I want to reflect on all things great about Australia's show movement.
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“The show” is one of Australia's greatest traditions. It's about showcasing the best of your community, from the volunteers who devote so much time to ensure it continues to be an annual event within our small towns, to the producers, bakers and crafters that showcase the best of their products.
My family has silverware that dates back to the ‘40s from fleeces that my great-great-grandfathers invested so much time into growing and preparing for our local show, every year.
We have a family fruit cake recipe that I know I'll never win a prize with because of my baking ability, but it featured in shows during my great-great-grandmother’s days.
Our shows unite the communities and are the much-needed link between food production and the consumer.
The agriculture industry needs a relationship stronger then that of a political association.
We need to be ambassadors and the face for our own industry, because it our industry.
Not only does this role include educating people in urban areas about the story behind their food and fibre; it encompasses the education of people within our towns and others in this industry.
This is an evolving and diverse industry and for young people in particular, your local sheep pavilion or cattle ring can provide someone with a wealth of knowledge and opportunity.
The Longreach Show is bringing the rural ambassador competition back. I quote the Queensland show website – 'the award seeks young people who symbolize the rural spirit - people with vitality who are forward thinking and with a passion for the land and local agricultural shows.'
If you are a young person in your region, you should seriously consider entering the Miss Showgirl or Rural Ambassador competition.
These competitions are not only about representing your local show, they provide the leadership opportunities for the younger generation to ensure our industry's future.
If your local show doesn't have a youth committee, start one and get your mates involved as well.
The future of our shows is what the young people make it. Tradition is important but so is evolving to ensure the show movement is a force to be reckoned with.
I entered Miss Showgirl to represent the industry I love, the region I live in and most of all, its people. Why will you become involved in your show movement?
– Tiffany Davey, 2016 Central and North West Miss Showgirl
