The showgirl competition remains a relevant and rewarding experience with many young women benefiting from the personal and professional opportunities that result from participating in the annual event.

Judging for the 2019 competition will be held on November 24 2018 and culminate in the announcement of the 2019 Nowra Showgirl at the presentation dinner to be held at the Nowra Golf Club.

The showgirl competition has been run since 1962 as part of The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition.

Over the past six years, 38 young women from across the Shoalhaven have entered the annual competition.

This year the Nowra Show Society is honoured to host the Zone Two Final of Showgirl Competition on February 23 2019, where the successful Nowra Showgirl will compete alongside around 12 other showgirls from Castle Hill to Milton.

The Zone winners will progress to The Sydney Royal Easter Show.

This event will see over 200 guests visit the Shoalhaven for the weekend to support the showgirls representing their home show society.

Nowra last hosted the Zone Final in 2011.

Earlier this year, Sammy Spark, 2018 Nowra Showgirl, had the opportunity to represent Nowra at the State Final held in conjunction with the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Sammy followed the 2017 Nowra Showgirl, Liberty Nelson who also made it through to the State Final.

Sammy said it was a great experience.

“Being able to represent Nowra and women with a passion for succeeding in a regional community has been my most valuable experience,” she said.

“I have expanded my networks with strong-minded women from across NSW, met people within my future profession and made long life friends within the showgirl community.

“There are so many fun opportunities I have had that I would never have experienced without being showgirl.”

The showgirl competition is regarded as one of the largest and most prestigious rural competitions in NSW and provides an excellent opportunity for girls to gain valuable experience and make new friends while having a chance to win great prizes.

Jessica  Apperley, the 2010 Nowra Showgirl, said the showgirl competition could change your life.

“In my role as Nowra Showgirl Coordinator, I had the immense privilege of meeting keen, enthusiastic young women who, by participating in the competition, grow in self-confidence and come away with a renewed sense of purpose to pursue their chosen path in life.

“It wasn’t until I made it to the State Final that I realised how much my confidence had grown.

“By being the Nowra Showgirl, I have had the opportunity to be interviewed by judges, newspapers and radio hosts; be a master of ceremonies and speak in public on many occasions.

“I have even introduced myself to many people from NSW show societies, community members and the Governor of NSW.

“Confidence has been an invaluable trait I have gained through the showgirl competition and one that I will carry with me forever.”

The aim of the competition is to find a person most suited to represent the young rural women of the local area.

It is not a beauty pageant and the contestants are judged on personality, confidence, ambition, general and rural knowledge, public speaking and community involvement.

Entrants should have a genuine interest in rural NSW as well as knowledge of their local community.

Sammy’s advice to any young woman considering entering the showgirl competition is to just do it.

“I had no idea what a showgirl was until introduced to members of the Show Society with an interest in this competition and then I realised I wanted to be an ambassador for Nowra and promote the agricultural show movement across NSW,” she said.

“You do not need to have a background in agriculture or the show society, just a passion for getting involved in new experiences, personal growth and expanding networks.

“You never know what you can do until you try.”

Showgirl entrants must be aged between 18 and 25 as at May 1 2019.

Showgirls are sponsored by a local business chosen by the showgirl or linked through the Show Society.

All showgirl entrants participate at the annual Nowra Show participate in a range of activities from sashing champion livestock to making a presentation to the Nowra Show baby.

This is often the most memorable experience for many showgirl entrants as they are afforded the opportunity to spend a day “behind the scenes” at the show.

Young women who are considering entering the competition or who wish to obtain further information are encouraged to contact the Show Society and start one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

An information package is available from www.nowrashow.org.au or by contacting the Nowra Show Society showgirl@nowrashow.org.au