Despite not winning on her first attempt, a Wagga student's persistence has certainly paid off, culminating in her crowning as this year's showgirl.
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Fourth-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Honours student Kate Webster was announced as the Wagga Showgirl 2019 at the annual event earlier this month.
The Charles Sturt University student has worked with the Wagga Show Society for three years as part of the Next Generation Group and runs an interactive zone for children to educate the next generation about agriculture.
Miss Webster entered the Wagga Showgirl competition two years ago but was unsuccessful.
However, she attributes her win this year to the confidence and skills she gained during that time.
"You get an opportunity to develop yourself personally through public speaking and meeting like-minded women in the rural community," she said.
"I thought that I would give it another shot, and showgirl is an amazing way to put yourself out there.
"You don't have to make it to the zone finals to get something out of this competition."
Miss Webster grew up on a small property, but never imagined she would pursue a career in the farming industry.
After considering becoming a nurse and taking a gap year, she realised that agriculture was where her heart was at.
"I am looking to get into the meat industry, so the processing and eating quality side of things," she said.
"If you asked me five years ago, that is not where I thought I would end up, but that is what I am passionate about."
Despite the common misconception that the showgirl competition might lack substance, Miss Webster said it is anything but frivolous.
"There is so much work that goes into this," Miss Webster said.
"It's really daunting how much work goes into this, and it is has a lot more depth than what people realise."
Miss Webster intends to make use of her title and her newfound public speaking skills to integrate more into the Wagga community in the next 12 months and continue her work with the show society.
"I am really thankful to have this opportunity," she said. "I have grown so much as a person.
"I have met amazing women who are so passionate about agriculture, and I have been able to hear their ideas about the issues.
"I am so grateful."
Following her win, Miss Webster will compete in the zone finals in February 2020 and if successful, will go on to compete at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.