Grace Allen (Forbes), Heather Earney (Bedgerabong) and Caitlin Herbert (Eugowra) are among 17 girls to be considered as zone representatives for this year’s Sydney Royal. 

Three will proceed to the State final of The Land Showgirl competition at the Easter show on Sunday March 25.

Saturday will be a big day, with interviews with a judging panel, a luncheon and then a presentation dinner in the evening.

In the evening, the girls will be interviewed on stage in front of invited family and friends, show delegates and of course the judges.

Forbes’ representative, 23-year-old Grace, is looking forward to the weekend if with some nerves.

She recently attended the development weekend in Dubbo and said it was inspiring to meet so many other like-minded young rural women.

Grace has been researching Forbes Show and the Showgirl competition, in its 50^th year locally.

Grace said it had been fascinating to learn about the rich history of Forbes Show and she was looking forward to representing Forbes.

Local showgirl coordinator Susan Earl wished Grace all the best for the weekend on behalf of the Show Society.

“Grace has been a wonderful ambassador for the competition. She has genuinely embraced the whole concept of Showgirl,” Mrs Earl said. 

“She has attended many local shows following our show last year. 

“She has contacted many past and present showgirls and those involved in the movement from all over the state.

“She is passionate about the role and indeed the role of shows within each of our rural towns.”

Eugowra and Bedgerabong showgirls, Caitlin Herbert and Heather Earney, are also preparing for this weekend’s zone judging.

They have just returned from the Polish Works Standout Showgirl Retreat in Glen Innes.

The girls spent time with current The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Maisie Morrow and former showgirl, Rural Achiever and director of the Hereford Society, along with a showgirl Judge for many years from Zone 5, Janette Coulter.

Adi Ritchie, director of Polish Works, said the retreat was designed to cover all the criteria of the Showgirl competition. 

They also looked at health, nutrition, fashion, speech making, makeup and general advice in grooming and presentation.

Adi wished Caitlin and Heather all the very best at Zone 6 judging. 

“We also hope to see them on the stage as finalists in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition,” she said.

Heather, daughter of Bedgerabong show president Andrew and secretary Anne Earney, has had a long involvement with her local show. 

She has moved back to the farm at Bedgerabong where she wrapped up her honours project for her Rural Science degree with the University of New England.

“That’s moved into another phase of research,” she said.

Heather said the showgirl program had been an “amazing opportunity”.

It’s has connected her to a lot of other like-minded young women, and she has received training in etiquette and social skills that will serve her in work situations as well. 

“It has given me life-long skills,” she said.

Heather encouraged others to consider entering the competition this year.

“Don’t think of it as a competition, think of it as an opportunity,” she said.

“It’s not only about agriculture, it’s all about rural community and what’s great about that.”

Caitlin has also returned to her home town of Eugowra, where her family farms, and is working with the Forbes Family Dentists.