A Tenterfield student learning and support officer and a Bachelor of Education student from Narrabri were chosen as the Zone 4 finalists to vie for the title of The Land Showgirl at this year’s Sydney Royal Show.
Tenterfield Showgirl Keeley Mooney, is studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of Emerald Queensland, which she obtained a scholarship for after being recognised for her community involvement, leadership and volunteer work.
Keeley is in her third year of study, while working full-time at The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Primary School in Tenterfield as a student learning and support officer, and is currently sharing the secretarial role for the Tenterfield Show Society.
She entered the Showgirl competition to be a positive role model for young women in her community and for her own personal development.
Keeley also recognised the showgirl competition was a great way to give back and represent her local show community.
April Squire is a Narrabri local, born and bred, and has followed in her mother's footsteps as the second generation to have become Narrabri Showgirl.
April has spent the last year working as an early education provider and has just commenced her Bachelor of Education at the University of New England in Armidale.
Her passion and advocacy for youth in the community has been demonstrated through her volunteer work at the local Youth Shack, and as an active member on the Narrabri Show committee.
April intends on returning to Narrabri once completing her degree, so she can continue to give back what she received growing up - quality and inspired learning.
The Zone 4 final was held at Narrabri on Saturday, where 14 Showgirls from across the region competed for a place in the Sydney Royal finals.
The other finalists were: Wee Waa Showgirl, Gerri Cruckshank; Moree Showgirl, Bronte Marshall; Gunnedah Showgirl, Hayley Murrell; Quirindi Showgirl, Camilla Macdonald; Tamworth Showgirl, Mackayla Mitchell; Warialda Showgirl, Ardina Jackson; Walgett Showgirl, Isobel Whiteman, Barraba Showgirl, Caitlin Frost; Armidale Showgirl, Jasmine Whitten; Walcha Showgirl, Sophie Uren; Guyra Showgirl, Jodie Ellis and Dorrigo Showgirl, Tahnee Beelitz.
During the judging process each Showgirl undertook a 15-minute interview with a panel of three judges at the Crossing Theatre during the day.
They also attended a luncheon on the verandah.
The evening proceedings included dinner with special guests, family and friends and a brief on-stage interview before the judging results were announced.
The judges of the competition were Agricultural Societies Council president David Williams, The Land’s Kirra Kelly and ASC Next Gen president, Bianca Williams.
