Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

This coming February weekend, 11 fantastic young women will participate in the Zone 2 Showgirl final, hosted by the Nowra Show Society and organised by one of their former showgirls and state finalists, Jessica Apperley. Running since 1962, the showgirl competition aims to discover a young woman to act as an ambassador for rural New South Wales and it plays a significant role in the overall development of rural youth within our country areas. To Nowra Showgirl Chloe Bishop, Kiama Showgirl Sarah Young, Berry Showgirl Alexandra Atkins, Milton Showgirl Emily-Jane Joyce, Hawkesbury Showgirl Evonne Lester, Blacktown Showgirl Desiree Auto, St Ives Showgirl Maddison Hawkins, Camden Showgirl Nicole Sandrone, Dapto Showgirl Rachel Elder, Albion Park Showgirl Madelyn Hayes and Robertson Showgirl Georgia Sherborne: you have all already shown your love and commitment to the towns and villages of regional New South Wales, and I commend you for stepping up to be a regional ambassador.

The opportunity to represent regional communities is one that is taken seriously by these strong young women, and, as finalists, they're expected to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and the challenges and opportunities facing these communities, as well as their own involvement. Each showgirl will participate in the judging process on Saturday, before the announcement at the presentation dinner, and two finalists will be presented at the Royal Easter Show.

To all of those participating in the zone final: I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for your commitment to regional Australia.

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