Bronte Marshall will get a chance to represent Moree at the Showgirl state final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show after advancing through the zone final in Dorrigo on Saturday.
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Bronte was up against 13 other women from across the region in the zone four final, with Georgina Haire from Wee Waa the other woman to advance.
"I do not envy the judge's role at all. This group of women were so diverse and were all great ambassadors for their town," Bronte said.
She was absolutely thrilled to be moving on to the state final.
"I always draw inspiration from my late grandfather Bernie Keitlinghaus who was a life member, a patron of the show, a past president of the Moree Show Society and was heavily involved in the Moree community," she said.
"Over the last 12 months, I have stepped into the positon of vice president and Showgirl coordinator of the Moree Show Society. I have witnessed the hardships and great effort it takes to organise a successful show.
"I feel immensely proud and grateful that I have the opportunity to honour my grandfather's legacy, represent the Moree Show Society at State level, showcase our wonderful community and educate others on our agricultural excellence."
After already experiencing the zone final last year, Bronte said it definitely helped her mindset heading into this year's final.
"Last year I really understood what the Showgirl movement is about; empowering yourself and empowering others. There is no 'typical' Showgirl," she said.
"I put a lot of unwarranted pressure on myself at the 2019 zone four finals and this deterred me from reaching my full potential.
"Fast forward to the 2020 zone finals, I really focused on just being myself. In 2019 I worked on building up my sense of self and worth. I am proud that I was able to reflect that personal growth at zone four finals this year."
The judging criteria is pretty similar for the state final compared to the zone final, but the major difference is the questions will be mostly focused on current national and international issues.
"We have been advised to read The Land newspaper religiously and keep up to date with the current news," Bronte said.
"I am fortunate that I have made many connections in the Showgirl movement and look forward to receiving advice from previous State finalists."
Bronte said she is really looking forward to the state final, having never been to the Sydney Royal Easter Show before, but with that also comes some nerves.
"Being interviewed in any situation is always going to be nerve racking to some degree, but I am looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone and challenging myself," she said.
"I am proud to be involved in the Moree Show Society and very humbled to be an ambassador for the Moree community.
"The showgirl movement has motivated me to be the best version of myself and I'm really looking forward to networking with like-minded women, educate others on Moree and build my personal and professional growth."
The state final will be held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from April 3 to 14.
