Emma Gorman, now a junior doctor, decided to sign up to the 2016 Wagga Showgirl Competition to champion health issues in rural areas and to become a part of Wagga.
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“It was something I had always wanted to do,” she said.
“I am not originally from Wagga and it’s a really great way to meet new people and become more involved with the community.
“Given I had only been in Wagga a couple of years, I thought it was a good way to branch out.”
Dr Gorman said it’s not just a Wagga movement, but winners of regional areas will go on to compete in the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
“I was lucky enough to come second there as well,” she said. “You meet similar people because you all have put yourself forward and you learn a lot about yourself and your community as well.”
Preparation ahead of entering is not crucial, but Dr Gorman said it’s important to be yourself throughout the process.
“From filling out the forms, you do an interview with a panel,” she said.
“Then you do an interview on stage to see how your public speaking skills are. They are looking for ambassadors to represent rural women and the issues they face.”
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Personally, Dr Gorman said she wanted to be an ambassador for rural health.
“I am a junior doctor now, but when I was in the competition I was a medical student,” she said.
“I am really passionate about providing the same services to people in rural areas as metropolitan areas.
“It’s really important that being in the country doesn’t jeopardise your health.”
Dr Gorman also advocated for recognition of the opportunities available to young people in rural areas.
She also stressed the Wagga Showgirl Competition is in no way a beauty pagent.
“It’s about recognising young women in rural areas and the contributions they make to society and finding those who can advocate for women and rural issues,” she said. “It’s about empowering women, it is very different from a beauty pageant.”
For anyone looking to sign up, Dr Gorman said put yourself out there.
“You never know where it might take you,” she said.
The Wagga Show will be held on September 7 and 8 at the Wagga Showgrounds. Opening times for the event are 10am to 9pm both days and the sideshow alley opens at 1pm on Friday.
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