Afternoon tea for Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards finalists

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome the finalists of the 2018 Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards to Government House this afternoon.

Kaye and I invite you all to relax and enjoy the hospitality of Fernberg, and to our visitors who have travelled to the capital from the far reaches of our State – please make the most of your time here in Brisbane.

Despite our impressive surroundings, I am actually a country boy at heart, so I always look forward to August, when the Ekka comes to town.

I know you will all have a very busy week, and there are just two days to go until the big announcement.

I wish you all the very best, although I hope you are already proud of your success.

The energy and passion you demonstrate for your communities speaks volumes for your strength of character, and your leadership qualities.

You are all winners to the communities that you represent – and you have my and Kaye’s sincere congratulations.                             

Last year’s competition winner from North West and Central Queensland was Claire Jackson, and we offer a warm welcome to you, Claire. 

We hope you have found your tenure to be an enriching and rewarding experience.

This competition began way back in 1983 and, although Queensland has changed dramatically since then, the idea behind this contest – to promote country shows to Queensland’s youth – is more important than ever before.

Of course, that is not always an easy thing to achieve – when you are young there are a lot of other pressures to distract you.

But your participation in events such as this does just that, so that the fine Australian tradition of the agricultural Show can continue.

It is my honour, as Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, to celebrate with you all today, and to express Queensland’s gratitude for your efforts.

Kaye and I hope this experience rewards you with the confidence and motivation to continue your important work as ambassadors for your communities.

Congratulations, thank you, and good luck.