The 2019 Kempsey Showgirl, Keely Lawrence, is encouraging young girls and women in the Macleay to enter this year's competition.
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"Even if you're just a little bit interested, you should try it. It's such a rewarding experience and the skills you take away from the competition are really valuable," Keely said.
Since being crowned Kempsey Showgirl 2019, Keely has organised fundraising events, attended workshops and has been a positive force in the local community.
The 2019 Showgirl Ball raised over $15,000 in October last year for charity Dolly's Dream and seating improvements at the showground.
"The Showgirl Ball is definitely something I'm proud of achieving over the past year," Keely said.
"I have also had the opportunity to be involved in development days and attended the Agricultural Shows Australia Inaugural Conference as well as a Polish Works weekend."
Keely also volunteered her time at the Kempsey Evacuation Centre following the Carrai East bushfire and helped build fences with BlazeAid.
"Being involved in helping the community has been very rewarding for me. I feel a responsibility as Showgirl to be in the community and help others.
"I think there are girls and women in the community who want to get involved but don't know how. Being the 2019 Kempsey Showgirl has allowed me to be confident in volunteering," Keely said.
Keely will be attending the Zone stage of the Showgirl competition on February 15 in Taree. If she is successful at Zone, she will progress to the Sydney stage of the competition.
"Zone will include an interview, a networking luncheon and a dinner with an onstage interview. I've been preparing all year and have been keeping up with agriculture news in our area as well as politics.
"I really want to make the community proud."
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Kempsey Showgirl, and Keely is encouraging anyone who is interested to put their name forward.
"The skills you learn and the networking opportunities are amazing. I would suggest anyone who is interested to nominate themselves for this year's competition."
Age categories for the 2020 Kempsey Showgirl competition are:
- Junior Showgirl - Girls over eight and below 13 as at time of local judging.
- Teen Showgirl - Girls aged 13 to 17 as at the time of local judging.
- Senior Showgirl - Ladies who are 18 to less than 25 years as of May 1 2021.
Entries close on April 11 with judging to take place on April 19.
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