Ellie Griffiths could barely escape showgirl talk, working at the Harold Curry office alongside Tenterfield Show Society president Matt Duff and treasurer (and former showgirl) Stephanie Kennedy, but she’s been considering taking the plunge for several years anyway.
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“The first year I was doing Year 12 in Stanthorpe, last year I’d just started a new job but there’s no excuse this year,” Ellie said, “especially working with Matt and Steph, and Lisa and Glen (Curry) are also very involved.”
So it is that Ellie is the first sign-up for this year’s Tenterfield Showgirl competition, and that’s fine by president Matt.
“They are the face of the show,” he said.
Stephanie was runner-up in 2015 and plans to take another tilt at the crown next year, having enjoyed her initial experience. She said she decided to enter out of the blue, seeing it as a great opportunity for young girls in Tenterfield.
“So I thought ‘why not give it a go?’”
Stephanie has no regrets, saying it was a great experience socialising with other young girls, getting to dress up, improve her confidence in public speaking and learn more about how the show operates.
“It may sound daunting and a lot of work, but at the end of the day it was a lot of fun. I’d recommend it for any young girl, You’d be crazy not to do it.”
Stephanie said the competition opens up so many opportunities, especially for the winner who goes on to zone and, potentially, far beyond.
She said the application is straightforward, asking about goals and ambitions and community involvements. Then there’s an afternoon tea for a meet-and-greet and some inside advice on what the judges will be looking for.
Then there’s a morning of individual interviews with the judges, followed by the show ball “which is just a great night out”, according to Stephanie.
At the ball each contestant is asked three questions (of their prior choosing).
“I’ve never been good at public speaking, but it wasn’t that daunting and now I have more confidence at public speaking,” Stephanie said.
Show duties include the Friday night presentation where the winner is sashed, and then all contestants are celebrities at events the following day.
With a year’s experience under her belt, 2016 Tenterfield Showgirl Amy Henderson will compete at the 2017 zone competition in Walgett on February 25. This year’s Miss Showgirl will take her turn representing the Show Society at community events and attending a number of show meetings over the coming year before representing the district at the zone competition next year.
Ellie said after talking with Stephanie she’s all the more excited.
"It sounds like more of a good time than anything else,” she said.
“And it will good to know what goes on behind the scenes at the show, and to be a part of it.”
Any girls aged 18-24 interested in joining Ellie as a showgirl contest should contact Liz Jarvis on 0428 648 297 by January 29.