Afternoon Tea Reception for Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards Finalists

Good afternoon. Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House today – and to welcome back our 2018 Runner-up, Miss Georgia Hoolihan!

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane and extend respectful wishes to Elders and emerging leaders.

We have been sharing afternoon tea with finalists of the Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards since 2014, and it is an occasion Kaye and I always look forward to.

Now in its 37^th year, this competition provides the wonderful opportunity for women across Queensland to excel in leadership, community involvement, professional and self-development. 

These awards play a significant role in advancing the development of young, strong female leaders for our rural communities, as well as promoting the long-term sustainability of the Agricultural Show movement.

To our 11 finalists for 2019: you will all have a very busy week, but I do hope you take the time to reflect on your achievements and all they represent.

You are here because you have been recognised as a person of integrity, with a demonstrated commitment to the wellbeing of your local community.

In reading your biographies, I am struck by your impressive accomplishments.

You come from a variety of fields – from science and education to social work, nursing, accounting and law.

Yet you all share a common thread – through your volunteer work and leadership, you remind us what it means to be a wonderful ambassador for our communities.

This competition began back in 1983. Our Governor then was a most distinguished naval officer, Sir James Ramsay – a very good Governor notwithstanding he came from Tasmania!

Queensland has changed a great deal since then. This Governor has lived in Queensland his whole life, one sixth of it in country Queensland.

And in the face of inevitable change, the great tradition of the local agricultural show remains as strong as ever.

Your commitment to this tradition ensures it will remain as vital to the rural communities of the future as it is today.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I thank you for your efforts. 

I also acknowledge our Chairperson and Junior Vice President here representing the organisational arm, along with our interloper – a very welcome one at that – from New South Wales, Ms McKenzie; your presence is greatly appreciated.  

Whatever the outcome of this competition, Kaye and I hope this recognition of your achievements affirms your sense of community service and confirms the confidence you have in your life’s journey.

Congratulations, and good luck – and we look forward to welcoming back to Government House the winner and runner-up at Monday’s Ekka reception.