Candelo’s Georgia Shellard will be representing Bega in the Zone 3 finals of The Land Royal Sydney Showgirl Competition in Tumut on January 30.
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“I wanted to go in the showgirl competition because it’s a good for networking and I can also learn about issues that face the agricultural industry in rural areas,” Ms Shellard said.
Ms Shellard has been an avid show visitor since she was a child.
“I’ve gone to most of the shows in the local area and I’ve also been to Canberra and Cooma as well,” she said.
“I like socialising and talking to everyone and learning about all the pavilion shows.
“I would watch horses all day if I could.”
The contender has just finished her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Bega’s University of Wollongong campus and is currently in her second week of work at the Bega District Hospital.
“I’m really enjoying it and there’s lots of friendly faces there,” she said.
“I’m learning so much.
“It’s about being compassionate, listening to people and finding out their story.
“When you know someone you are better able to help them.”
Ms Shellard is no novice to competing and was runner-up Bega Showgirl in 2013, losing to eventual Sydney Royal Easter Show winner Brodie Game nee Chester.
“I know the Cobargo Showgirl Taelar Williams so it’s nice that I’ll know someone when I compete in Tumut,” she said.
Ms Shellard keeps busy outside of work hours and enjoys to get out into the bush.
“I really enjoy camping,” she said.
“My favourite spot would have to be around Tantawangalo Mountain.”
With the Bega Show on the near horizon, many will also be looking forward top the Junior Showgirl event.
“We are running a Junior Showgirl competition to be announced at the opening of the Bega Show,” Bega Show organising committee member Jacinta Griffen said.
“It is open to any young lady aged between 14 and 17, with judging to be held on Wednesday, February 10.”
So what is the key to being a successful showgirl?
“You’ve got to have a good personality, confidence, ambition, goals, knowledge about Australia and overseas, knowledge about the local land and you’re also judged on your dictation and your speech,” Ms Shellard said.
If Ms Shellard is successful she will be headed to the state’s capital to compete in the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
“I’m not expecting that at all,” she said with a laugh.
“I would really like to thank the show society for giving me the opportunity.”
First place at the Sydney Royal Easter Show will take home $10,000 courtesy of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and The Land newspaper.
All finalists spend seven days in Sydney during the show with all expenses paid.