After a year's absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards will make a return to the Ekka.
In the 39th year the awards allow all women across Queensland, between the ages of 18 and 28, to act as a voice and representative for their local agricultural show.
This year there will be 11 Showgirl state finalists.
Cheneya Vetter, 24
Show Society: Charleville Show Society
Sub Chamber: South West Queensland
Cheneya currently works with the Commonwealth Bank in Charleville as a Branch Manager, and has aspirations to work within the Agricultural Executive branch. Cheneya has completed a Certificate II and III Rural Operations, Certificate III Business Administration & Diploma of Agribusiness Management & Agriculture.
Cheneya is the Vice President of the Charleville Show Society and Secretary/Treasurer of the South West Sub Chamber. Cheneya holds a variety of other volunteer positions, including with the Square Meaters Association of Queensland, Adavale Sport and Rec Association and Charleville Softball Association.
Cheneya would like to further develop her Square Meater cattle stud through the management and running of her family property.
Paige Caldwell, 20
Show Society: Bell Show Society
Sub Chamber: Darling Downs
Paige is currently studying a dual degree in Law and Business majoring in Marketing at Bond University. She will shortly take a position with Finemore Walters & Story in Childers as a Law Graduate in general rural practice, whilst studying her Diploma in Legal Practice to be admitted to the Supreme Court next year.
Paige hopes to use a foundation in general law practice and passion for agriculture to specialise in agricultural law and issues pertaining to vegetation management and mining.
Paige has dedicated her free time to various charities and associations including 180 Degree Consulting Bond University branch, charity Drop for the Drought, Cooranga-North Camp Draft Committee and the Bell Show Society.
Meg Grogan, 22
Show Society: Capella Show Society
Sub Chamber: Central Highlands
Meg has studied a Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing and is currently studying a Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety as a part of her role as a junior Health, Safety, Training and Environment Officer at the local mine.
Meg works on the family cattle property, as well as assists the local high school Cattle Club in the preparation of cattle for the local show season. Meg has held a variety of volunteer roles, including in the pavilion and in the cattle section including helping out with junior judging and ring stewarding at multiple shows throughout the Central Highlands Sub Chamber.
Paige Schofield, 20
Show Society: Cairns Show Society
Sub Chamber: North Queensland
Paige has completed a Certificate II in Rural Operations and Animal Studies with aspirations to undertake a nursing qualification to combine the two disciplines to work in remote Australia.
Paige likes to keep herself busy working at the local newsagents and café, on her parents grazing property and in a number of other community organisations. Paige is on the Atherton Show Society committee, and is involved in both the Malanda and Cairns Show Societies.
Paige hopes to use the role of Showgirl to promote rural industries and sustainable agricultural practices.
Brittany Kugel, 22
Show Society: Mundubbera Show Society
Sub Chamber: Burnett
Brittany woks as a registered nurse at the Mundubbera Multipurpose Health Service in the clinical areas of emergency, acute, aged, palliative, rehabilitative, outpatient, communication and cancer care. Through this role, Brittany would like to extend her clinical knowledge, skills and scope of practice to undertake a Masters of Nursing so that she can continue to deliver care more locally.
Brittany enjoys musical and craft past times including dabbling in millinery crafts, designing and sewing head wear.
Brittany volunteers at the local Bowls Club and Mundubbera Show Society, as well as at various community events that support the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Bridget Webster, 24
Show Society: Gatton Show Society
Sub Chamber: West Moreton and Brisbane Valley
Bridget works as an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Team Leader at a private practice in the West Moreton and Brisbane Valley region. Each day is unique for Bridget, working with people of diverse needs and abilities.
In the future Bridget would like to focus on building her leadership, management and clinical skills to support clients to access everyday occupations. Bridget aspires to operate her own allied health clinic.
Bridgets hobbies include cooking, reading and being outdoors; including hiking, swimming and camping. Bridget volunteers with the Gatton Show Society and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Parish.
Josephine Dahtler, 20
Show Society: Sarina Show Society
Sub Chamber: Central Queensland
Josephine works at the Sarina Community Bank as a Customer Service Officer while she completes her studies of a Bachelor of Science at Central Queensland University. Through her role at the bank Josephine enjoys actively engaging in community development with sporting clubs, schools and community groups.
Josephine contributes to her community as the treasurer of the Rotaract Club of Mackay Region, being a member of the Sarina Bird Club and attending events of the Sarina Rotary Club.
Josephine loves to hike in the National Parks surrounding her community, enjoying time with family and friends, and the odd game of beach cricket.
Chloe Johnston, 23
Show Society: Mount Isa Show Society
Sub Chamber: Central and North West
Chloe has completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and works as a printer technician. Chloe would like to work within her trade as an electrician in the future.
Chloe currently plays Hockey, Soccer and Netball as well as does Highland Dancing. Chloe volunteers as the representative and event coordinator of the Mount Isa Hockey Club, as well as a committee member of the Mount Isa Community Ensemble.
Chloe would like to use the Showgirl Awards program as an opportunity to get outside of her comfort zone, as well as being a role model for other women within her community.
Caitlyn Hester, 21
Show Society: Beaudesert Show Society
Sub Chamber: South East Queensland
Caitlyn works at Australia Post as a post-delivery officer. Caitlyn aspires to take over the family farming business and further develop their Santa Gertrudis cattle breeding program.
Caitlyn has completed certificate studies in fitness, athletics coaching and agriculture. Caitlyn has represented Australia twice in the hammer throw events, with the latest trip being to Europe in the IAAF World Under 20 Championships.
Caitlyn is involved with her community through the Little Athletics club as a committee member and volunteer coach for the tiny tots and under 6s; volunteer coach for the local social netball team; and with the Beaudesert SES unit.
Jacinta Rockemer, 19
Show Society: Goomeri and District Show Society
Sub Chamber: South Burnett
Jacinta has completed a Certificate III in Agriculture and works as a governess. Jacinta enjoys giving 100 per cent to her role educating children.
Jacinta is a member of the Goomeri and District Show Society and assists with running the annual show and the Autumn Rodeo. Jacinta is also involved with the Pumpkin Festival Parade and local rodeos and camp drafts. Jacinta hopes to become more involved with her show and sub chamber after her experience as a Showgirl State Finalist.
Jacinta loves to put in the many hours it takes to develop her horses through her passion for camp drafts and stockmans challenges.
Chloe Lanham, 20
Show Society: Maleny Show Society
Sub Chamber: Near North Coast
Chloe has completed certificate studies in Applied Fashion Design and Technology and Business Administration. Chloe currently studies a Diploma of Visual Arts and works at a local café. Chloe aspires to own her own gallery and studio where she can encourage others to express themselves through their art.
Chloe enjoys playing soccer with the Sunshine Coast Wanderers NPL Under 23 womens team. Chloe also enjoys dance, martial arts and playing music.
Chloe volunteers with the Maleny Show Society as the show day online steward. Chloe also volunteers in the canteen with the local soccer club the Maleny Rangers.
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.