Her mother was named Hawkesbury Showgirl in 1989 and on Saturday night Olivia Leal, 23, was sashed with the same honour.
Miss Leal said she was shocked and excited to be named 2017 Hawkesbury Showgirl out of nine entrants at the showgirl ball held at the Clarendon Tavern on Saturday night.
Miss Leal said she was now looking forward to representing her community at the Zone Showgirl Championships early next year in Berry.
“The Showgirl Ball was a wonderful night, all of the girls spoke really well and I believe all of us have taken something away from the experience,” Miss Leal said.
“I’m really looking forward to the next step, which is zone finals in Berry.”
Miss Leal said she was stoked to share the honour of being crowned Showgirl with her mum who won it in 1989, and said it was her parents who made her fall in love the with land and agriculture.
She said the Showgirl program was an incredible platform that empowered young women by helping them gain confidence and new opportunities.
Miss Leal is a Sustainability Coordinator at Frasers Property Australia and lives in Richmond.
She completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology and Environmental Earth Science at Macquarie University in 2014 and said she entered Miss Hawkesbury Showgirl to learn and grow professionally, as well as to be an advocate for the area that she is passionate about.
Miss Leal said growing up on a farm, she became passionate about the disconnect between city living and the food that we eat.
“My job offers me the unique opportunity to influence change and to educate people about urban agriculture,” Miss Leal said.
“Many farmers, particularly the emerging generation, are passionate about climate change.
“This sector has been shown to provide a net benefit for farming communities, and I offer the perspective of working in this sector.
“I am eager and approachable and a respect for farmers, which makes me the perfect candidate to consult with a range of different stakeholders and to make things happen,” she said.
