By Lucy Waldron
After a few years of hiatus, the Stanthorpe Show Society is bringing back the Showgirl tradition for 2025, aiming to celebrate and empower young women in the region.
This revival marks the return of a cherished tradition that has evolved to be more inclusive and reflective of contemporary values.
Pauline Leigh, Show Steward for the Stanthorpe Show said the Showgirl quest remains an integral part of the Queensland Show Society’s mission.
“It follows on the bent of assisting young women with becoming more confident with themselves and connected to their region,” Ms Leigh said.
“It’s about helping women develop self-confidence, pride in their community, and skills that are vital in promoting and supporting agriculture.
“The Quest encourages young women to represent their regions, showcasing the crucial role that agriculture plays not just locally but across the country.”
The decision to revive the Showgirl Quest comes after a few years of hiatus, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We felt it was time to bring this tradition back to life, to offer young women the opportunity to engage with their community and develop new skills,” Ms Leigh said.
The program is designed to be accessible, with a focus on personal development rather than fundraising.
“We’re not putting pressure on entrants to raise large amounts of money. The emphasis is on the experience and what they can gain from it, rather than on financial contributions,” Ms Leigh clarified.
Participants in the Showgirl Quest will receive mentorship from experts in areas like speech and drama, local history, and etiquette.
“It’s a great way for them to learn about their local area from a cultural and agricultural perspective while also developing important life skills,” Ms Leigh said.
“Participants can represent local businesses or organisations, not just agricultural committees like sheep and wool or prime cattle.
“We hope to see a diverse group of entrants representing a wide range of sectors in the community.”
The Stanthorpe Show encourages young women interested in participating to reach out to the Show Society for more information.
“We’re here to support them every step of the way, and we look forward to seeing a strong group of entrants this year.”
