It has been a country show institution for 61 years, and next week Orange will host a score of young women from Bourke to Blayney to contest the Zone 6 Final of the Land Sydney Royal Agshows NSW Young Woman 2023 competition.

Previously known at the Showgirl competition the Orange Show Society is preparing for the upcoming glamourous night at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on February 4, which will see aspiring rural show ambassadors judged on their rural knowledge, community participation, ambition and more — all for a chance to be crowned at the 2023 Royal Sydney Easter Show in April.

Orange’s representative, Rebecca Blandford has been involved in the local show society for a number of years, but this is the first time she has decided to take the plunge and apply. 

With a vast range of networking and self-development opportunities available in the program, Rebecca’s keen to encourage other young women to get involved.

“The skills and opportunities that you can take from this program anywhere with you – whether or not it be your personal life or career, or implementing it back into the local community are fantastic,” she said.

Personal development might be an important part of the program, but friendships are forged and great memories are made, she added

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have made a really solid friendship,” Rebecca said of her experience in the competition.

Finalist coordinator, Jaci Norris said Orange has performed well in the past although she admits it has been a few years since a local made the finals.

But Jaci has confidence Orange will soon see someone place in Sydney again.

 Zone 6 finalists will take part in panel interviews throughout their day in Orange, then enjoy lunch in an effort to showcase their social skills and have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals. Finally, they will enjoy an evening dinner with supporters and members of the public, with the results being revealed at the end of the night.

“We’re expecting at least 200 people to be coming from out of the area to support this, so it’s quite a big event and tickets are still available,” Jaci said.

Judges choose finalists based on eight sections which include: general knowledge, rural knowledge, ambition and goals, volunteer and community participation, personality, confidence, personal presentations, and presentation ceremony interview.

The  Zone 6 Final of the Land Sydney Royal Agshows NSW Young Woman 2023 competition will take place at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on February 4 at 6pm. If you would like to show your support for Rebecca or any of the young finalists, tickets can be purchased at www.123tix.com.au