The 2016 Showgirl, Chloe Hutchinson, said she “loved” her experience. After being sashed and conducting official duties at the 2016 Show, Chloe attended a two-day deportment class at Dubbo.

“I met showgirls from all over the state and heard their stories which was just fantastic, and I’m still in touch with them, ” she said.

From there she went on to the zone finals in Oberon which included an interview with judges and a formal dinner with the entrants and their families.

Twenty-three-year-old Chloe who is studying a double degree in agriculture and business at the University of New England said it was her mother, Rebecca Gorton, who convinced her to enter. She is now urging other girls to enter.

“Just go for it, there’s no harm in trying and if you get through and win there’s so many opportunities out there for you, the people you meet are fantastic and being in a rural area and having these connections is just so important.

“The support from the show association was just incredible.”

Judging for the Stroud Showgirl competition (which takes place every two years) will be in March if sufficient entrants are received. The winner will be announced on the Saturday of this year’s Show on April 7.

Entrants need to be aged between 18-25 years as at 1 May 2019.

“Showgirls are not only ambassadors for the area, they also promote the agricultural show movement,” said Leanne Dries from the show association.

“It’s a wonderful way to make friends, have fun and get involved within your local show.”

The winner of the Showgirl Competition will go on to compete in the Zone Finals in 2019, with the Zone Final winners making their way to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Enquiries to Leanne Dries 0417 658 852 or Roslyn Ince 0417 479 650 or email secretary@stroudshow.com.au. Entries close on Wednesday, February 28.