2022 Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards State Finalists Afternoon Tea

Queensland Showgirl Awards Chair, Mrs Ellie O’Hara; Committee Member Ms Janine Milne; 2021 Winner, Ms Brittany Kugel and Runner Up Mrs Cheneya Vetter; 2022 State Finalists; supporters; ladies, welcome to Government House.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

It is such a pleasure to host today’s special afternoon tea at Government House in honour of this year’s Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards State Finalists.

I extend a warm welcome to you all, and congratulate the eleven incredible young women in this room who have been selected from hundreds of entrants statewide, to represent their towns and regions, and take part in this exciting program of events and experiences.

I know some of you have travelled quite a distance to be in Brisbane this week, but I am sure you are relishing the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills, and become even more capable leaders in your communities.

Regardless of who is announced winner and runner-up at the Ekka on Saturday you are all tremendous role models, each of you demonstrating outstanding determination and true courage to step into the spotlight.

You should be very proud of all you have achieved so far, and I am sure you will continue to use your unique abilities to help and motivate others.

This year we celebrate 40 years since the first Showgirl competition took place, and what an excellent initiative it has been, encouraging generations of young Queensland women to develop their potential, while at the same time showcasing the importance of rural agricultural shows in our State.

While recent years have been particularly challenging for Queensland—with drought, floods and COVID adversely affecting so many— it is the mark of the fortitude and resilience of regional Queensland that our agricultural shows continue to flourish.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I commend the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards and Queensland Ag Shows for supporting such a long and worthwhile partnership. Your vision and hard work has delivered life-changing opportunities to so many.

I also thank the many donors and sponsors—some of whom have been there from the very beginning—for supporting these endeavours in many and varied ways, and ultimately helping to shape more successful communities.

Before I present the State Final sashes, I would like to once again congratulate our remarkable finalists for being such inspirational leaders.

I hope you enjoy this week of activities, and wish you all every success ahead.