"It's been difficult but I am still so grateful for the opportunities it has and will provide me," says Hawkesbury's longest reigning showgirl, Eliza Babazogli
After already serving a year as Hawkesbury Showgirl, Eliza will retain the title for 2021, due to the restrictions and various event cancellations caused by COVID-19.
Eliza was announced as a winner of The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Zone 2 final in late February, 2020, but since has been restricted in completing her duties as Hawkesbury Showgirl.
"It feels exactly like COVID," she joked. "It's never going to end.
"It's been a quiet two years for showgirls, but I will still get to do a variety of events.
"I will be a steward, compete and help out as the showgirl does, but it's been quiet on the events side of things."
Continuing to represent the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, Eliza will be headed to the Sydney Royal Easter Show to represent Zone 2, alongside Milton's Emily Quinn, in the 2021 Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition in April.
A show regular, she has been competing with horses there since she was young and now with cattle as well.
"We were moved over to be the 2021 showgirls since we were unable to do most things in 2020," Eliza said.
"I am interested to see what the show will look like from a different perspective. I am normally there as a competitor in other events so I am really looking forward to it.
"I am excited to get the chance to showcase the Hawkesbury and all that it has to offer."
Eliza is looking forward to all the events and everything that she can be involved in this year.
"It's been so difficult not being actively involved but I am still grateful for everything that comes with this role," she said.
"I have met so many people in the community and will get to meet so many more.
"I am so grateful that I am able to represent the Hawkesbury for another year."
The annual Hawkesbury Show will return for locals on April 23-25 at Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Road, Clarendon.