Morning Tea for the 2023 Showgirl Awards State Finalists

Queensland Showgirl Awards Committee Members; 2022 Showgirl Winner, Ms Sarah Rose and 2023 State Finalists; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House this morning so we can celebrate the remarkable efforts of a group of inspirational young women—the 2023 State finalists in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards.

The Ekka offers fun, family time and a taste of country life for many city-bound visitors, however this important event is about so much more than the thrills of Sideshow Alley and stunt cars, the delights of show bags, and the thrill of proximity to some fairly intimidating livestock.

The Ekka reminds us all—particularly we city dwellers—how much regional areas contribute to our State, not just by producing the beautiful fresh food we eat, but through the enthusiasm, determination and passion of the country people who make Queensland so vibrant.

The ten finalists with us today may have come from very different regions, but each of you is united by a dedication to serving your communities.

Even though you are busy working or studying, or both, you have put yourselves forward to represent your local show societies and have shown such diligence and ability in this role that you have been selected—from hundreds of others—to represent your regional Sub Chambers in Brisbane this week.

Congratulations!

You are incredible ambassadors for your regions, but you are also powerful role models for other young women, showing them what can be achieved through hard work and courage.

And though sadly not all of you can be named the overall winner at the Celebration Dinner on Friday night, you should each be very proud of your admirable efforts, and what it reflects about you as individuals.

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of the RNA, I pay tribute to the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards and Queensland Ag Shows, who for over four decades have supported this incredibly worthwhile initiative.

The opportunities you are providing these young women—to develop their skills and confidence—are helping to create our State’s future leaders.  

I also thank the many sponsors and donors whose generosity ensures these Awards continue to thrive, and who are therefore helping to secure the ongoing vitality of our regional agricultural shows.

I will soon have the honour of presenting the State Final sashes, but before then, I once again commend our ten finalists, hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding week of activities ahead, and wish you every success in your future endeavours.