Where have all the Showgirls gone?
WHILE the Longreach Showgirl for 2006 won’t be required to don her sash in an official capacity until the show rolls around next year, Keisha McLachlan has taken it upon herself to inspire girls to become involved in their community.
Ms McLachlan has just returned from a three-day trip to the Brisbane Exhibition, where she was able to mix it up with the Queensland Parliament speaker Tony McGrady and Governor General Quentin Bryce.
Inspired by the experience of being crowned Longreach’s Showgirl and given the opportunity to represent her home town on a State level, Ms McLachlan now has her sights set on increasing the profile of this ailing tradition.
"Longreach and Cloncurry have been the only two towns from our sub-chamber to have entrants in their respective showgirl competitions for the past two years," Ms McLachlan said.
"Almost every town in Western Queensland has a co-ordinator for a showgirl competition, but they struggle to find entrants.
"Maybe I can visit these towns and speak to some local girls about the benefits of becoming involved in their communities and entering this competition."
The local showgirl competition was once an opportunity for young women to become more involved in their communities, as well as building their self-esteem and confidence.
Nowadays the popularity of the showgirl competition is waning, something which Blackall Showgirl 1986 Anne Sprague believes is a "real shame".
"The showgirl competition used to be quite a prestigious event," Mrs Sprague said from ‘Neverfail’ station, outside Blackall.
"The Blackall Show used to be held over three days, so it meant that all the showgirls had jobs and tasks assigned by the show society, such as presenting ribbons and meeting and greeting people.
"You received a lot of exposure and it was good because it gave us all a great deal of confidence.
"You were seen as doing something for the community."
During her reign, Mrs Sprague said there were a lot more governesses and jillaroos in the district, willing to contest for the crown.
"Many of the bigger properties around Blackall employ half the staff that they used to.
"But there are still a few young girls in town.
"Perhaps the solution lies in offering better prize money and promoting the competition more.
"It sounds as though Keisha is on the right track though– she is born and bred in the local area, she is easy to talk to and her words might just go a long way."
Ms McLachlan thanked the local show society, the community, the sub-chamber and all of her sponsors for giving her the opportunity to participate in the show girl competition.
More information about the competition and how to get involved is available from Ms McLachlan on kmml88@hotmail.com
Let's help Keisha promote pride in our region and keep the showgirl tradition alive.
If you are or know of a former Western Queensland showgirl, no matter which town you're from, we'd love to hear from you.
Please contact editor Tuppy McIntosh on 4658 3855 or email editor@longreachleader.com.au
Ms McLachlan has just returned from a three-day trip to the Brisbane Exhibition, where she was able to mix it up with the Queensland Parliament speaker Tony McGrady and Governor General Quentin Bryce.
Inspired by the experience of being crowned Longreach’s Showgirl and given the opportunity to represent her home town on a State level, Ms McLachlan now has her sights set on increasing the profile of this ailing tradition.
"Longreach and Cloncurry have been the only two towns from our sub-chamber to have entrants in their respective showgirl competitions for the past two years," Ms McLachlan said.
"Almost every town in Western Queensland has a co-ordinator for a showgirl competition, but they struggle to find entrants.
"Maybe I can visit these towns and speak to some local girls about the benefits of becoming involved in their communities and entering this competition."
The local showgirl competition was once an opportunity for young women to become more involved in their communities, as well as building their self-esteem and confidence.
Nowadays the popularity of the showgirl competition is waning, something which Blackall Showgirl 1986 Anne Sprague believes is a "real shame".
"The showgirl competition used to be quite a prestigious event," Mrs Sprague said from ‘Neverfail’ station, outside Blackall.
"The Blackall Show used to be held over three days, so it meant that all the showgirls had jobs and tasks assigned by the show society, such as presenting ribbons and meeting and greeting people.
"You received a lot of exposure and it was good because it gave us all a great deal of confidence.
"You were seen as doing something for the community."
During her reign, Mrs Sprague said there were a lot more governesses and jillaroos in the district, willing to contest for the crown.
"Many of the bigger properties around Blackall employ half the staff that they used to.
"But there are still a few young girls in town.
"Perhaps the solution lies in offering better prize money and promoting the competition more.
"It sounds as though Keisha is on the right track though– she is born and bred in the local area, she is easy to talk to and her words might just go a long way."
Ms McLachlan thanked the local show society, the community, the sub-chamber and all of her sponsors for giving her the opportunity to participate in the show girl competition.
More information about the competition and how to get involved is available from Ms McLachlan on kmml88@hotmail.com
Let's help Keisha promote pride in our region and keep the showgirl tradition alive.
If you are or know of a former Western Queensland showgirl, no matter which town you're from, we'd love to hear from you.
Please contact editor Tuppy McIntosh on 4658 3855 or email editor@longreachleader.com.au
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