WEST Wyalong Showgirl April Barber and Hay Showgirl Rose Booth were selected to represent Zone 7 at the State final of the 2015 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition.
Hosted by Finley Show Society at the Finley RSL Club, 17 showgirls from across Agricultural Societies Council of NSW (ASC) Groups 8 and 9, impressed the judges with their passion for agriculture and it’s important place in modern Australia.
Shining through though were two young women, who will be great ambassadors for their show societies, their regions and their families.
April Barber, 22, is studying for a Bachelor of Education with plans to teach in the Bland Shire. She hopes to bring her love of farm life into the classroom and create practical lessons for rural children.
April also has big plans to drive forward the role her show society plays in her community with a focus on youth activities such as young farmer challenges.
Rose Booth, 20, is also a student, studying for a Bachelor of Nursing and a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Ballarat’s Australian Catholic University.
Her ambition is to one day work for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and be a strong influence on the health of those in isolated rural communities.
On an international level, time in Cambodia as a volunteer, has fuelled her desire to be more involved with the welfare of others in need and continue volunteering.
The Zone 7 judges were ASC delegate Judy Michell, Narrabri; 2013 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl State finalist, Sally Ormiston, Parkes, and The Land’s representative, Malcolm Sear, North Richmond.
The other finalists were: Ardlethan Showgirl, Tessa O’Hare; Cootamundra Showgirl, Chloe Waters; Finley Showgirl, Miliana Naicori; Ganmain Showgirl, Melissa McKinnon; Griffith Showgirl, Natalie Ford; Henty Showgirl, Rachael Dale; Hillston Showgirl, Eunice Stiboy; Junee Showgirl, Jemima Hart; Lake Cargelligo, Showgirl Joanne Wilkie; Leeton Showgirl, Kasey Henman; Lockhart Showgirl, Bridget McDonnell; Temora Showgirl, Sarah McGee; The Rock Showgirl, Jessikah McCarthy; Wagga Wagga Showgirl, Kate Mitchell, and Weethalle Showgirl, Maggi Payne.
Special guests included Berrigan Shire deputy mayor, Councillor Brian Hill; 2014 Zone 7 finalist and former Junee Showgirl, Jasmine Corbett; fellow 2014 Zone finalist and former Griffith Showgirl, Emily Chilvers; ASC vice president, David Peters, Hartley; honorary ASC members Will Kember, Ganmain, and Geoff Bush, Cootamundra; ASC Group 8 president, Peter Smith, Milbrulong near Lockhart; ASC Group 9 president, Yvette McKenzie, Yenda, and group representatives, Wal Blezard, Albury, and Graham Lieschke, Henty.
