With the Canowindra Show on the horizon, a certain occasion that comes with it fills most women with a sense of unease. Yet “Miss Showgirl” isn’t everything is appears to be. It is not a beauty pageant, nor is it a charity event. The Showgirl competition is, in fact, about empowering young women in rural Australia by presenting their awareness of local surroundings and news.
Contestants are judged on personality, confidence, life goals, general and rural knowledge, presentation and speech. It is about eloquence and skill rather than hair colour and hip ratios. These ideals have not changed since the launch of the competition in 1962. The contestants continue to be young, rural women with purpose and ambition.
The winner is selected from a panel of three judges then continues to act as Showgirl until the next show, performing various tasks such as public speaking throughout the year and presenting prizes for winners in agricultural events. The competition plays a significant role in the overall development of rural youth within this country and boasts incredible support from entrants’ sponsors and organisers. Sponsorship at a state level is worth over $40,000, which has come pretty far from the original 1962 winner, Miss Margaret McKay, being awarded $200 and a silver tray. Now over 500 women annually enter the competition throughout NSW with contests being held in over 120 Show Societies.
Canowindra P.A &H. Association are proud to announce that the Canowindra Phoenix is now a major sponsor for the event in conjunction with the Canowindra Pharmacy. There is also a new category being introduced this year, “Little Miss Showgirl” bringing the total number of categories to three. An information session will be held at the Bowling Club on 31st July at 6pm for Little Miss Showgirl and 6.30pm for Junior and Senior Showgirl. The Association will be holding their Junior Showgirl competition on Friday 26th September. The competition consists of a ten minute interview with judges on Friday, 26th September and the winner will be announced at the Canowindra Show official opening on Saturday afternoon at 2pm.
So don’t be afraid to stand up, be assertive and show off your rural roots.
By Rhi Quinn
