Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (19:39): In 1962, 20 young female ambassadors entered the first Royal Agricultural Society Miss Showgirl competition, with hopes of representing their regions and working as ambassadors for women throughout rural New South Wales. It was part of a strategic push to strengthen ties with regional agricultural societies through zone conferences, field competitions and symposiums. At its heart, the competition aimed to broaden the experience of young rural women, strengthening their communication skills and boosting their confidence, in the hope they would return to their communities better equipped to take on future leadership roles. Many of the most eminent women in our regions have come through that process and gone on to do incredible things with hospital auxiliaries, the Country Women's Association, NSW Farmers, and a whole raft more. The format was simple and has remained essentially unchanged. Each local show society holds a competition, with the winner going on to compete at a zone level. Finalists from each zone then compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The judging criteria have also remained unchanged. Over the course of a series of interviews, talks and functions, contestants are evaluated on personality, confidence, ambition and goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation, and speech. Finalists are asked to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and current affairs. Apart from their potential ambassadorial qualities, contestants are also judged on their involvement in and experience of rural affairs. It is much more than a beauty contest. In 2022 the name of the competition was changed from the Miss Showgirl competition to the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition, recognising the role of the Sydney Royal show and, importantly, the agricultural shows that bring these young women together. The young women entering demonstrate purpose and ambition and that they are ready to face the challenges and rewards offered by the agricultural show movement and are deserving of the title and the role of custodian and ambassador.

I congratulate Caoilfhionn King, who won the title. She is a 24-year-old farrier. She entered the competition to expand her skill set and gain confidence and knowledge about Maitland. She has been a volunteer and committee member of Donkey Welfare With Heart for 10 years. She has gained valuable experience in this time. She is passionate about donkeys, aiming to improve their welfare, share knowledge, and teach the community about the wonder of these beautiful animals. Her favourite thing about the show is that it brings rural life into the city, particularly in rural regions such as Maitland. She spends countless hours in the donkey section with other committee members, helping it run smoothly and educating the public with interactive activities.

I congratulate runner-up Gemalla de Beuzeville-Howarth. Gemalla is a 20-year-old train driver studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology. She entered because she hopes to learn about the community, get involved and make a change. Gemalla has volunteered for the Picnic Train for four years. This involves a traineeship in firemanship, working to become a full-time fiery on the steam train, as well as being a passenger attendant and guard. She loves meeting people from different communities and learning about the towns she visits on her travels with the train. Gemalla is passionate about seeing women in non-traditional roles. Through her studies she is stepping into the unknown in both the train industry and the science sector. Her favourite thing about the show is bringing the community together, and she loves seeing all the different displays about agriculture, arts and crafts, cookery, woodworking and much more.

I congratulate finalist Meredith Blair, a 19-year-old cadet journalist from Maitland who works in the Upper Hunter. She entered the competition to get out of her comfort zone and to try something new. Meredith has a keen interest in the Maitland and District Historical Society and in visiting Grossmann House and Brough House in Maitland. Her passions are telling stories and listening to people's experiences in our community, and hearing what matters to our regional communities, particularly in the Hunter. Her favourite components of the Maitland Show include the petting zoo and spending time with friends and family to create memories.

I thank all the incredible women who do so much work behind the scenes to ensure the success of the presentation night, particularly Margaret Enright, President of the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association, who has run the competition for some 20 years or more. I congratulate a former Miss Maitland, Jaslyn Arens, on being recognised as the Agricultural Societies Council Next Gen. And I thank Kate Mannell, who relinquished her 2023 title last weekend. I wish them all the best.