FOURTEEN talented, driven rural women have arrived in the big smoke for a once in a lifetime Sydney Royal experience.
Its a going to be a big week for this years The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl state finalists, who experienced the first of their many public engagements last night.
Highlights of the ladies week will include a visit Westmead Childrens Hospital; taking an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the show; and meeting top executives representing the agricultural show, agribusiness and political realms.
This years group of showgirls are a diverse and talented bunch. Their professions span physiotherapy, agronomy, environmental science, midwifery and more.
Get to know each of the finalists
Emma Gorman, 23, Wagga Wagga showgirl
Now in her sixth year studying medicine, Emma moved to Wagga Wagga three years ago. She saw the showgirl competition as an opportunity to get involved in her new community. Originally from Scone, Emma has showed cattle in the Sydney Royal school steers competition as well as in horsing events but it has been her childhood dream to see the show through the eyes of a showgirl.
Jaclyn Lindsay, 21, Wauchope showgirl
Jaclyn is a childcare worker and is studying a Bachelor of Education (early childhood and primary school). She loves to help her family on their dairy farm and says the best thing about her hometown is its proximity to the beach. Its the best of both worlds, she said.
The Wauchope Show Society are beaming with pride this year its the second year theyve had their showgirl represent them in the state final. Ashely Olsen was their representative in 2016.
Francesca Scutella, 23, Grenfell showgirl
Francesca is an accountant and a farmer. Originally from Sydney, she moved to the tiny town of Caragabal in January, 2015, and got involved in the Grenfell show to meet new people. Francesca co-owns a mixed cropping farm with her fiancé. The two are just about to take delivery of their first lot of Merino sheep.
Ellen John, 23, Narrabri showgirl
Ellen grew up in Griffith but moved to Narrabri to take up a teaching position at Narrabri Public School. While her Year One class keeps her extremely busy she finds the time to play numerous sports and carry out her duties as vice president of Narrabri Show Society. Shes passionate about educating children in rural and remote areas and has a particular interest in securing learning outcomes for indigenous children. This week at the Sydney Royal shes determined to start conversations about the issues facing rural communities.
Isabel Hawken, 24, Rydal showgirl
According to its very own showgirl, Rydal is a small town that punches above its weight. At Isabels zone final of the competition she had 18 guests from Rydal there to support her. Everyone gets so involved in everything I love it, she said. A registered nurse at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney, Isabel is well on her way to achieving her goal of working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Maisie Morrow, 24, Merriwa showgirl
An agronomist and a livestock nutritionist, its clear for all to see how much Maisie loves her job. Being the contact point for so many farmers is such a powerful thing. I want to help farmers connect better with their neighbours because I know they have so much knowledge they can share to benefit each other, she said. Maisie studied Rural Science at the University of New England in Armidale. She grew up in Merriwa and is now based at Scone.
Olivia Macintosh, 21, Walbundrie showgirl
Walbundrie is a tiny town of 200 people but Olivia sure is flying its flag. The physiotherapy student is hoping to make new connections this week and take back home a bag of tricks to help keep the Walbundrie show thriving. Olivia loves all water sports, particularly white water rafting.
Verity Price, 21, Crookwell showgirl
Although from a prime lamb operation near Crookwell, Verity works for the Cattle Council of Australia in Canberra. Shes currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University. She believes the showgirl competition is an important platform for young rural women to step outside their comfort zones and share their ideas and concerns with the wider community. On weekends she loves to go home to Crookwell and help on the family farm.
Courtney Loosemore, 22, Warialda showgirl
Courtney Loosemore is an administration assistant at Ceres Agricultural Co in Warialda and is on the way to securing her dream job in the rural property sector. She recently returned to Warialda after attending boarding school in Toowoomba and university in Brisbane. She holds a Bachelor of Business and is a dedicated member of her local show.
Meg Austin, 18, Canowindra showgirl
Its only April but Meg has had already had a huge year. Shes moved out of home and started the first of three years of her midwifery degree at Southern Cross University. Born and bred in Canowindra, Meg loves horses and if time permits this week, shes hoping to catch a glimpse of the dressage events.
Liberty Nelson, 23, Nowra showgirl
With a full-time day job and two side jobs, Liberty is one driven girl. By day she works as a council ranger for Shoalhaven Council and by night she tends to her 50 pigs and co-ordinates her horse transport business. She grew up in Kangaroo Valley and is currently studying a certificate four in regulatory services.
Mikaela Dart, 20, Peak Hill showgirl
As a student nurse, Mikaela is most looking forward to visiting the Westmead Childrens Hospital this week. The Peak Hill local is passionate about helping people and is tossing up between specialising midwifery, palliative care or mental health.
Isabel Boyle, 24, Bangalow showgirl
Bangalows own Bel Boyle trained in psychology and now works with troubled children who have severe behavioural issues. She now lives on the Gold Coast but grew up on her familys cattle farm in the Byron hinterland. Bel is passionate about healthy eating and living and in the future wants to help educate children about the importance of taking care of their health.
Olivia Leal-Walker, 23, Hawkesbury showgirl
Olivia is wild about sustainability. Shes the sustainability co-ordinator for property developing firm Frasers property and also chairs the Hawkesbury City Councils sustainability advisory committee plus heads up the Future Green Leaders advisory committee. Shes proud to represent the Hawkesbury region the food bowl of the Sydney basin.
