Moree will be represented in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition next month after 2017 Moree Showgirl Kate Lumber was named one of two state finalists at the zone final on Saturday night.
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Kate, and Quirindi Showgirl Pollyanna Easey, will represent Zone Four in the prestigious competition held at Sydney Royal Easter Show from March 20 to 25.
The Moree agronomist was thrilled to have been chosen to progress to the state finals of the showgirl competition.
“To be an ambassador for rural NSW is really exciting and something I’ve always wanted to do,” Kate said.
“The competition is really well regarded in giving young rural women a platform to talk about issues in their communities.
“It’s a fantastic way for young rural women to not only improve their personal and professional skills, but to showcase what rural and regional NSW has to offer.”
Kate was one of 16 showgirls from all over the New England North West competing at the Zone Four finals in Armidale on Saturday, February 10.
The girls participated in a luncheon where they were judged on their etiquette and interactions with others, followed by an interview with the judging panel where they were asked about what they do, their passions, knowledge of their local community, and general knowledge of regional and political issues.
The final part of the judging process was the gala ball which involved an on-stage interview.
Given how strong the competition was on Saturday, Kate said she didn’t expect to be named a finalist.
“There were fantastic girls doing some amazing things in their communities, so it’s a real honour to have been selected,” she said.
Kate is now looking ahead to Sydney and plans to work on her public speaking skills and continue to immerse herself in regional issues in preparation for the state finals.
“Naturally, being involved in agriculture, I stay up-to-date with the issues affecting the industry, but I’ll be trying to be as well-rounded as I can be to be the best representative for Moree and the zone,” she said.
Through the showgirl competition, Kate hopes to grow her leadership and ambassadorial skills to become a role model for others in her town and industry.
She sees the showgirl competition as a great opportunity for personal and professional growth, a means to meet like-minded young women and develop skills in deportment, public speaking and leadership.
Kate has a Bachelor of Rural Science (Honours) from the University of New England and is passionate about farming, particularly cotton agronomy.
She is heavily involved in the Moree community through a range of musical, sporting and community groups including the Young Aggies and Moree Arts Community Theatre. She performs in a number of choirs and plays mixed and ladies netball, tennis and hockey, and has interests in horse riding and showing cattle.
Kate is the first Moree Showgirl to progress to Sydney Royal since 2015 when Amber Boydell was awarded the honour.
Moree Show Society congratulated Kate on her well-deserved win at the Zone Four final.
“We’re really fortunate to have another Moree girl get to Sydney,” publicity officer Sarah Densley said.
“We’d like to congratulate Kate and wish her all the very best in Sydney.”
Kate would like to thank the Moree Show Society, Agricultural Societies Council, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, The Land, and her family and friends, as well as congratulate all the other girls.
