Next year’s winner will coincide with the 140th annual Nowra Show, but it will be hard to top last year’s excellent entry numbers.

Each year, women aged between 18 and 25 go in the running to represent Nowra, with the chance to win excellent prizes.

2015 Nowra Showgirl Alli Nelson said it was a fabulous way to meet friends and nourish the town’s high standard of community spirit.

“I was transitioning out of agriculture and wanted to maintain those bonds in the area. The show was a wonderful way to do that and give back. I think volunteering and community service is really important,” she said.

“It’s been a really good personal development experience and see the different ways in which people contribute to our community.

“The show is a central thing for the area and a great way for young people to get involved in the area.”

Ms Nelson said winning the show gave her an excellent opportunity to network and have a lot of fun.

“The big thing I’ve noticed is a real call for young people to step up and take over,” she said.

“That’s what I want to put out there. A lot of volunteers are the older generation and they are seeking young people to step in and continue it.

“The show is more than the agriculture, but also it helps those who haven’t been able to be involved in agriculture to learn more about local farming which is such a huge part of our town.”

Ms Nelson said if you had a “give it a go attitude”, Nowra Showgirl was for you.

“It has created ongoing opportunities for me.”

Entrants will be invited to attend a Showgirl Development Day, where they will tour local farms and be equipped with the tools to take on the challenge.

Judging for the 2016 competition will be held on November 21, 2015 wrapping up with the Nowra Show Ball at Worrigee House. There, showgirls are joined by family, friends and members of the Nowra Show Society to celebrate their achievements and most importantly announce the 2016 Nowra Showgirl winner.

The successful Nowra Showgirl will compete at the Zone final to be held in Camden next February and a chance to progress to The Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Contestants who enter the competition are well-spoken, driven young women, who are passionate about their local area. Entrants do not have to come from an agricultural background, or have any prior experience with the show.

Nowra Showgirl co-ordinator Jessica Apperley said the competition sought young ladies with a desire to step out of their comfort zone and embrace the chance to connect with a vital industry in the region.

“The Showgirl Competition, together with our annual show, is part of ensuring a sustainable future for primary industries. Without agriculture, the Shoalhaven would not have been founded, or continue to flourish as it does today.”

For more information download the Nowra Showgirl Competition information package available at www.nowrashow.org.au or contact the Nowra Show Society via email on info@nowrashow.org.au.

Nowra Show runs from February 5 to 6, 2016.