Yeppoon Show Society had the privilege of hosting the 2024 Central Queensland sub-chamber finals where this year’s Central Queensland Sub-Chamber Showgirl and Rural Ambassador were crowned.
The awards kicked off on 29 June with on-farm tours of Harley Western’s Exotic Fruit Labyrinth and High Valley Dawn Permaculture farm where the finalists were individually interviewed by the judges.
The event concluded with the awards evening at the Beaches Restaurant, Rosslyn Bay where 19-year-old Emily Wickham, the Rockhampton Show Society representative, was crowned as the 2024 Central Queensland (CQ) Rural Ambassador Showgirl.
Born and bred on a cattle operation in Singleton New South Wales, Ms Wickham said she was inspired by the showgirls and their achievements from her hometown.
“I am also seeking my own personal growth and confidence within myself and spreading my passion of all things agricultural,” she said.
“I, 100 per cent recommend this position to anyone involved or interested in agriculture shows because it gives yourself such a powerful voice to use promoting the show, agriculture and fostering community connections.”
Now, with her new title in hand, Ms Wickham plans to visit as many Queensland agricultural shows as possible, helping promote youth in agriculture and act as a mentor and inspiration for young women across the nation.
Sarina Show Society representative Jessie Borg was the 2024 Runner Up CQ Showgirl.
“I am truly honoured to receive this title and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support,” she said.
“I am also grateful to my fellow contestants, whose friendliness and camaraderie made the day extraordinarily enjoyable and memorable.
“I have forged lifelong friendships with many of you.”
This year’s CQ Rural Ambassador was awarded to Shikira Stehbens, who represented the Rockhampton Show Society and the runner-up went to Nathan Roots, who represented the Ridgelands Show Society.
The 2023 Queensland Country Life Showgirl Isabella Hanson said it was a pleasure to share her journey of the past 12 months and get to know all of the contestants in the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador competitions.
“It was a pleasure to be a part of this event, share my journey of the past 12 months and get to know all of the contestants in the Showgirl and Rural Ambassador competitions,” she said.
“Congratulations to all who received awards and I look forward to seeing everyone continue on their Showgirl and Rural Ambassador journey.
“I would like to extend a massive thank you to Peter Curtis and Ken Landsberg whose upcoming absence from the Central Queensland show movement will be felt by many.”
