The Warwick Rodeo and Show Society is making a significant impact on the youth of Warwick through its Rodeo Queen Quest program, which fosters the development of young people in the community by offering them unique opportunities to build essential skills.
The Rodeo Queen Quest is designed to create a supportive environment for young people from Warwick and the surrounding areas.
Kelli Mullins and Tanya Roche, Co-coordinators of the Rodeo Queen Quest, highlight the program’s benefits.
“The Quest provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to become involved with and promote our iconic event,” said Mullins.
“Young ambassadors are given endless opportunities to build upon their interpersonal and communication skills while interacting with people from a multitude of backgrounds.”
The Quest involves participants aged between 5 and 30 years, offering a diverse age range the chance to engage and grow.
The committee looks for specific qualities in potential Rodeo Queens.
“We firstly look for excellent horsemanship abilities, as this is one of the most utilised skills during the event for both our Princess and Queen entrants,” said Roche.
“They need to be intelligent, articulate, approachable young women with a passion for the sports of rodeo and campdraft and a specific interest in promoting the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society and its events.”
These young ambassadors are required to have a thorough knowledge of Warwick and the Darling Downs areas to effectively interact with locals and visitors who attend the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft.
The Rodeo Queen Quest not only focuses on individual development but also promotes youth leadership and community involvement.
“The Quest provides a safe environment for young women to step out of their comfort zones and lead by example,” said Mullins.
“Our entrants visit local schools, aged care facilities, and business houses throughout the week of the Warwick Rodeo, as well as participating in other local events during the year.”
2023 Warwick Rodeo Princess Jorja Hill shared how the Quest has impacted her. “Being a Rodeo Princess has helped build my confidence in speaking to people of all ages,” said Hill, a Grade 12 student at Warwick High School.
“It has also given me an appreciation for the hard work that goes into each event, and with this newfound confidence, I am happy to volunteer to help run these events.”
Hill has participated in various community initiatives, including school visits, the ANZAC Day march, and visiting aged care facilities.
“My involvement in the Rodeo Queen Quest has led me to opportunities of being able to meet some very inspirational people,” she said.
“Some of these people include many Miss Rodeo America, Miss Rodeo Canada and Miss Rodeo Australia representatives over the time of my involvement with the quest.
“I have also been very fortunate enough to meet and gain some life long friends and a second family.”
The 2023 Warwick Rodeo Queen, Jessie Nott has just returned from Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in America representing the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society. Ontop of representing overseas, past Rodeo Queens have made significant contributions to the Warwick community.
“Some of our previous Queens have established their own businesses, while others have taken executive positions within community organisations and groups,” Roche noted.
“Many of our former Warwick Rodeo Princesses step into leadership roles in their schools, benefiting from the leadership skills and confidence gained through the Quest.”
The Quest encourages young people to pursue their passions and goals.
“During their time as part of the Warwick Rodeo Queen family, entrants have the opportunity to network with and connect with people from both the equine and broader business communities,” said Mullins.
“The interpersonal and life skills enhanced within each entrant help them realise they have the ability to pursue their dreams.”
