EACH year the girl crowned Miss Wattle is given the honour of representing Cootamundra during the Wattle Time period.
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This year that honour belongs to JMA Legal office junior receptionist Ellen Bailey.
Wattle Time is an institution unique to Cootamundra and describes the period during August when the wattle trees are typically in full bloom.
It is a busy month for the town with annual events such as the Wattle Time Art Show and Cootamundra Annual Cycle Classic as well as new events including the Wattle Time Spring Fair set down for the last weekend in August and the Wattle Time Debutante Ball which will take place on August 23.
Miss Wattle will have a presence at many of these events.
Ellen, who turned 18 in April this year, loves her town and is thrilled to represent Cootamundra.
“Everyone gets along with everyone, it is just such an easygoing, friendly place to live,” Ellen said.
In nominating Ellen for the honour of Miss Wattle, the person who put her forward described her as a “joy to be around”.
Ellen is the daughter of Janelle Chapman of Cootamundra and Mark Bailey of Hillston.
Ellen attended Cootamundra Pre-School and was educated at Cootamundra Public School and Cootamundra High School.
She was a high school sports house captain for ‘Anderson’ two years in a row and represented the school at soccer, basketball and athletics as well as the NSW Schools Spectacular.
During her final four years at school, Ellen worked part-time after school and on holidays at IGA here in town.
Ellen wanted to remain in Cootamundra after completing her HSC and looked for work locally, successfully gaining full-time employment at JMA.
She enjoys participating in many local events and sporting activities.
She has danced with Miss Chris at Chris Edwards School of Dance, was a cast member with Jenny Roberts in the CADAS Kids production of ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ and has actively participated in the Wattle Time Art Show and Cootamundra APH and IShow.
She has attended the local Anzac Day commemorations, Australia Day Breakfast in the Park, Wattle Time Street Parade, Stockinbingal Fair, Carols in the Park and the Christmas Carnival in Fisher Park.
Ellen has also participated in the Coota Beach Volleyball Carnival, Touch Football Carnival and played junior soccer for more than 10 years.
She loves attending the races in town - the Cootamundra Cup and Cootamundra Picnic Races.
Through work she participates in Meals on Wheels and is loving this latest involvement in the community.
Ellen was thrilled to be named Miss Wattle 2014 and is looking forward to a busy month of community involvement.
