She might not be progressing to the state final of The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition, but 2018 Moree Showgirl Bronte Marshall feels like a winner after representing Moree with class at the zone final in Narrabri on the weekend.
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Bronte was one of 14 showgirls from all over the New England North West who competed at the zone four showgirl final, held in Narrabri on Saturday, February 23.
Narrabri's April Squires and Tenterfield's Keely Mooney will go on to represent zone four in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition over Easter, after winning over the judges on the day.
As part of the judging process, the girls took part in a 15-minute interview with the panel of judges, followed by a luncheon with the other showgirls where they were judged on their etiquette and interactions with others.
The final part of the judging process was the gala ball at the Crossing Theatre, which involved an on-stage interview.
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Although she won't progress further in the competition, Bronte said she feels like a winner after the "experience of a life-time".
"It was an incredible experience," she said.
"I met so many incredible women and was given the chance to share my ambitions, ideas and promote what an incredible community we have in Moree.
"Not only have made a network full of beautiful friends, I have pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone and grown in ways that I could have never imagined.
"I have learnt so much about the issues facing rural NSW and what initiatives local communities have put in place to combat them. I feel so enlightened and encouraged to continue being an active member in my community and make positive changes to the Moree Show and the Moree Showgirl competition."
She said she was extremely pleased with her interviews and felt she represented herself and Moree to the best of her ability.
"I walked away from this weekend with a massive smile on my face and a great sense of achievement," she said.
Bronte has loved every minute of her showgirl experience, and said it has exceeded all of her expectations.
"I entered the competition for two main reasons; to re-engage with the Moree community after being away for a number of years and to honour my late grandfather’s legacy of being involved with the Moree Show Society for over 50 years," she said.
"This opportunity has allowed me to achieve both ambitions and has also motivated me to better myself, both personally and professionally."
Bronte highly recommends the competition and encourages any young woman who has thought about entering to give it a go.
"My advice for prospective entrants is that this competition isn’t about your appearance or being involved in the agricultural industry," she said.
"It’s about getting involved, standing up for what you believe in, having a voice for women in rural NSW and empowering all of those around you. I quote Kate Lumber (Moree Showgirl coordinator) 'You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain'."
Moree Show Society is currently calling on young women, aged 18 to 25, to consider entering this year's showgirl competition. If you're passionate about Moree and rural NSW and would like to meet like-minded women and give back to the community, call Kate Lumber on 0447 756 984 or email the Moree Show Society at moreeshow@live.com.au for more information.
