The Cairns Show's 2018 Miss Showgirl and Rural Ambassador representatives will be promoting northern agriculture on the state stage after being announced as the North Queensland chamber winners following judging in Ingham on the weekend.
The new regional Miss Showgirl, Georgia Hunter was one of four entrants vying for the title, alongside Malanda's Georgia Doull who was the runner-up, Madeleine Curry from Tully, and Sarah Way from Ingham.
According to the chairman of the North Queensland chamber, Ian Allen the competition is enjoying a resurgence in the far north.
"The word is out that it's a really good experience," he said.
Judges took over half an hour to reach their final decision, saying that the calibre of entrants was very high, with the young women contributing strongly to suggestions and showing a passion for the show movement.
Having visited other shows in Queensland since her crowning last year, Ms Hunter was able to provide insights about the innovative practices being adopted by other show associations to keep agricultural shows relevant and popular in their regions.
She said she was proud to represent the Cairns Show and women involved in rural industries.
Also at the weekend event, hosted by the Herbert River Show Association, the Cairns Show 2018 Rural Ambassador Matthew Castino, who hails from Atherton, was awarded the regional title.
Although he was the only entrant, Matthew's interview covered a range of subjects from the role of the Rural Ambassador to the importance of encouraging young advocates for the agricultural and primary industry.
Matthew said in his speech at the formal dinner on Saturday night that when farmers endure hardship through drought, floods and regulatory impacts, they need an event to come together for moral support and to celebrate the small wins that award-winning livestock and produce get when exhibited at the shows.
He balanced the seriousness of issues currently impacting our region with anecdotal stories of getting involved with shows when he was about 13, being hooked through an ag subject at Atherton State High School.
According to Mr Allen, the wins by the Cairns entrants showed that show society's ongoing commitment to, and the importance of the Cairns Show, the largest agricultural show in Australia, to the community and the local economy.
Georgia and Matthew will now be involved in a variety of activities, forums and official visits with sponsors and politicians prior to the final judging in each of their categories.