Showgirls step out

A DEVELOPMENT day saw 15 young women schooled in the traditional and somewhat dying arts of etiquette, deportment and style – skills worth investing in, according to Nowra Show Society Showgirl co-ordinator Jessica Apperley.

The annual Nowra Show Society Showgirl Development Day took place at Worrigee House where a group of young women took part in a number of workshops and sessions on preparing for competition.

Ms Apperley said the day was designed to prepare current or prospective showgirls aged 18 to 25 for the zone final on February 9, but was also open to anyone interested in honing their skills in a variety of areas.

“We aim to prepare them for what will happen at the competition. There are a variety of sessions on style and fashion tips, deportment, etiquette, interviewing skills, public speaking and how to use a microphone,” she said.

The day featured a number of guest speakers including Worrigee House manager and Royal Agricultural Society councillor John Bennett, The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl runner-up and Berry Showgirl Jessica Monteith, 2009 second runner-up Lauren Elkins from Camden and 2012 Nowra Showgirl Natasha Larter.

Fifteen women from as far afield as Yass and Camden as well as Berry, Milton, Nowra, Kiama, Albion Park and Picton attended.

“We find that girls who come along really do have a more polished presentation. In 2011 and 2012 both the winners and runners-up [of the Nowra Showgirl competition] attended our development day,” Ms Apperley said.

“It’s really relevant to any young lady.

“These are skills that are traditional and dying in today's society, but we believe they should be upheld and that they are still relevant. Having good presentation in a business environment is important.” 

Ms Apperley said over the 10 years the development day had been held it had gone from strength to strength.

“It's been a great success given we attract showgirls outside the area,” she said.