AFTER her father was found dead from a suspected hit-and run about one week ago, Miss Wagga entrant Brittany Hackett said she almost did not attend the crowning on Saturday night.
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But then the 26-year-old remembered her father's love and what he would have said and done.
"I had a really tough day and almost didn't show up, but I knew he'd be sitting there," Miss Hackett said.
Her father, Mal Hackett, 51, was celebrating her engagement party on October 26 when he was found by a passing motorist on the side of Red Hill Road at Glenfield Park.
"He did say how proud he was with me going through the quest and the process over the last eight months," Miss Hackett said.
"Honestly, Saturday was one of the most difficult nights. I put on a brave face but it was hurting a lot."
The pair will work with the city's leaders, businesses and charities to help pioneer philanthropic efforts in the next 12 months.
"I never in a million years thought I'd do something like this," Miss Hackett said.
"I'm a car girl with tattoos so I never thought I'd fit the mould of it."
He did say how proud he was with me going through the quest and the process over the last eight months.
- Brittany Hackett, Miss Wagga Quest's Community Princess for 2020
Asked about major goals, Miss Hackett said she will be working with Miss Smith on a range of issues, including mental health.
"It's an issue we really want to focus on because it's really close to both of our hearts," she said.
Miss Smith said she relished the chance to take on a leadership role for Wagga.
"I'd like to do as much as I can and take up any opportunity thrown at me," she said.
"My aim is to hit the ground running and I know Brittany is the same way.
"We're still going to sit down and plan out this year and it's going to be a team effort."
The 23-year-old, who works at the state department of environment, said the highlight of the eight-month process was improving her organisational skills and developing a support network.
"I'm an anxious person every day and so just being surrounded by other lovely young ladies is amazing," she said.
Among the activities of the Miss Wagga Quest were personal development, speech writing and event management.
The other entrants were Tegan Nash, Margie Gaynor, Erica Davis, Montanna Ross and Hayley Wallace.
