Nine of the Hawkesbury’s finest young ladies will vie for the respected title of Hawkesbury Showgirl 2017 as the competition kicks off again this year.
The state wide showgirl competition aims to find a young female Ambassador for rural NSW and the agricultural show movement.
The Hawkesbury Showgirl competition has gone on to provide young ladies in the local area with unique life and career opportunities.
Chief steward of the competition Sally Buttsworth said previous entrants have all in some way benefited from the showgirl experience.
“Every girl gains something different from our experience. For some it may be that they gain confidence, some it is an improvement in public speaking, for some it's simply to meet other people,” Ms Buttsworth said.
“I have seen so many changes over the few months that we are together and every single entrant has made me proud of their pride in themselves.”
The winning Showgirl of each local Show Society is selected by a panel of three judges and remains Showgirl until the next year’s Show.
Her role involves many official and informal duties locally, such as opening a Show, public speaking throughout the year and presenting prizes.
The local Showgirl Ball will be held on October 8.
Alexandrea Teuma
Alexandrea Teuma is an animal bio-technician who has grown up in the Hawkesbury her whole life. She enjoys spending time on her cattle stud and involving herself in the community.
Caitlin Snowden
Caitlin Snowden from Bligh Park is passionate about rural health and hopes to use the Hawkesbury Showgirl platform to better advocate for it.
Evonne Lester
Evonne Lester, 20, is not only studying at university but also volunteers for the Londonderry Rural Fire Service. She is looking forward to everything the Showgirl competition offers.
Georgia Leva
Georgia Leva lives in Maraylya, studies Zoology and works part time as a horse riding instructor. Georgia hopes to encourage young adults to embrace life and take on all opportunities.
Katherine Mann
Katherine Mann has returned home to the Hawkesbury after living near Dubbo for some years. She hopes to use her Showgirl experience to entrench herself in the local community and help make a difference.
Lauren Smith
Lauren Smith has lived in the Hawkesbury her whole life and has a passion for all things agriculture. She believes she would represent her local area well as Showgirl.
Olivia Leal
Olivia Leal has Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology and Environmental Earth Science and will use her Showgirl experience to advocate for her local community and agriculture.
Matilda Harry
Matilda Harry is the captain of Colo High School and was the inaugural 2014 Miss Junior Hawkesbury Showgirl and believes she has what it takes to win the 2017 Showgirl competition this year.
Rebecca Maxwell
Rebecca Maxwell, 19, is passionate about the Hawkesbury community and believes her bubbly personality will set her apart form the competition.