From learning how to ride a horse as soon as she could walk to now holding the 2024 CQ Showgirl title, 19-year-old Emily Wickham believes she has certainly achieved one of her very many goals.
Originally from Singleton, New South Wales, being a rural Showgirl has always been something Emily wanted to tick off on her to-do list.
Through her new role, Emily seeks to grow in her confidence and endeavours to flourish in the agricultural industry more than she already has.
“If someone told me five years ago this is what I would be doing, I would be so proud of myself,” she said.
“Keep reaching for the stars and dreaming big you never know what you will achieve.
“I never expected to go so far with the showgirl competition and I’m so excited for what is to come.”
During her schooling years, Emily decided to incorporate agriculture into her home and school lives.
It first began when she started the high school cattle show team.
From there, Emily got more involved with the camp drafting world and quickly became run off her feet.
Emily’s passionate side for competitiveness shone through when she competed in camp drafting.
Hence, when her mother asked her to decide which sport to continue, she chose camp drafting.
“Growing up in my hometown, I would see the Showgirls each year and their achievements,” Emily said.
“It all quickly became an inspiration to me, especially because agriculture is a significant passion of mine.”
Now residing in Cawarral, Rockhampton on a relative’s small property, Emily works full time as a student in nursing and participates in any agricultural show and camp draft she can attend, while constract mustering on the side.
Emily first discovered her love for Central Queensland after participating in the regions biggest campdrafts, Paradise Lagoons with her grandfather.
“My grandfather and I would make Paradise Lagoons our annual road trip,” Emily said.
“That’s how I began to love the region and eventually I decided to move here.”
In the future, Emily hopes to continue her nursing career throughout Central Queensland while promoting the CQ Showgirl title.
“Anyone involved in agriculture or interested in agricultural shows and who doesn’t mind public speaking should give it a go,” she said.
“It gives you such a powerful voice to use and it helps you foster community connections with the young and old.
“Its about promoting what you love most, agriculture.”
