“Being Taree Showgirl means representing your local community, especially your agricultural community and showcasing it at a State level.”
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These are the words of Samantha Hamilton who was named 2017 Taree Showgirl on October 7.
She was visibly proud of her new title as she accepted her sash from 2016 showgirl Victoria Lee.
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Equestrian great John Fahey, federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, State member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and MidCoast Council mayor David West were in attendance for the ceremony, which doubled as the official opening of the show.
“I am delighted and excited about the prospect of being Taree's showgirl and having such a potentially inspiring position,” she said.
“I am going to put all of my effort into making it to Sydney to represent Taree.”
Samantha wants to use her role as showgirl to start a conversation about sustainable farming.
“I plan to inspire and encourage youth to become more involved with agriculture as well as bringing into light different ideas about sustainable and organic farming to our broader community,” she said.
“I believe that if I can change even one person’s mind about the importance of sustainable farming and the importance of the survival and coexistence of the industry, then I have done my role justice.”
Samantha said she is already working on plans for next year’s show.
“I have already started to think about ways to benefit and improve our show and plan for next year’s produce dinner as well as zone finals,” Samantha said.
She hoped other women will consider entering the 2018 competition.
“The role of showgirl is a very important and empowering tradition that should most definitely be continued and I would encourage any young lady considering to apply next year to go for it.”
