Entrants improve their public speaking skills as well as interpersonal skills in small groups. 

They learn about different fields of interest and profession from other entrants, making lifelong friends along the way. 

Last year’s Cootamundra Showgirl Stephanie O’Brien thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommends other young women consider putting their hand up. 

“It was so much fun,” Miss O’Brien said. 

She represented Cootamundra at the regional level in Hillston and last November completed an etiquette school.

Miss O’Brien had a long association with the Cootamundra Show having been a behind-the-scenes helper for many years, however the experience of being Showgirl added a new feather to her cap. 

She reiterated the competition is not looks-based, and also specified it is not the domain of girls from the land only; the last three winners all living in town, albeit all three having an interest in agriculture. 

“It is definitely not a beauty pageant, yes you wear a dress and heels but you are not there for the dress and heels; you are there for your community,” Miss O’Brien said. 

Through interviews at all stages, she enjoyed being able to promote Cootamundra and talk about the town in terms of infrastructure, jobs and opportunities. 

An information evening will be hosted by the Show Society on Friday, September 29 at local beauty salon Posh Hair and Beauty on Parker for those young women keen to through their hat in the ring. 

Present on the night will be Miss O’Brien, as well as other past showgirls and members of the Cootamundra Show Society. 

Posh owner Claudia Dowell will also be there chatting about hair and makeup tips, dress styles, heel heights and other cosmetic issues for the girls.   

The information night starts at 6.30pm.

The competition officially starts for showgirl entrants at the Show Dinner in the weeks leading up to the Cootamundra Show. 

This main day of this year’s show will be Saturday, October 21 with the announcement of the showgirl always a highlight. 

Already a number of girls have expressed their interest in being this year’s Cootamundra Show representative. 

For further details please contact Heather Bush on 0428 423 221, Lucy Collingridge on 0447 066 244 or Stephanie O'Brien on 0498 330 111.