Michelle Bartlett is all smiles after being named the 2013 Bega Showgirl winner.
BEGA’S Michelle Bartlett has been crowned the winner of the 2013 Bega Showgirl competition.
Ms Bartlett, 22, received the Showgirl sash at the Far South Coast National Show’s official opening on Friday night.
The finalists in this year’s competition were Ms Bartlett, Kimberley Constable, of Bega, and Candelo’s Charlotte Oastler.
The judging panel in 2013 consisted of Helen Beruldsen, Roslyn Otton and Ben Smyth.
At the presentation, Ms Bartlett thanked everyone for their support, including the event organisers, judges, sponsors and fellow contestants.
Ms Bartlett said she was shocked to be named the winner.
“I’m a little bit overwhelmed, I didn’t expect to win it,” she said.
Ms Bartlett received her sash from last year’s Bega Showgirl winner, Ali Preo.
Ms Preo said she had benefited immensely from being part of the competition in 2012.
“Thanks for letting me represent your town – it’s been an honour,” Ms Preo told the crowd on Friday night.
“This is one of the greatest movements in agriculture in Australia… it’s the biggest life change, you learn so much.”
Ms Preo encouraged local girls to take part in the 2014 Showgirl competition.
However, Ms Preo said next year’s group would be a “hard act to follow” after the calibre of 2013 contestants.
Michelle Bartlett will now compete in the zone Showgirl competition this Saturday in Bega.