When Caitlyn Hester and Georgia Rodgers were selected as Beaudesert’s Showgirl and Rural Ambassador in 2019, neither of them realised they would be competing at the 2021 EKKA.
When COVID stopped the running of agricultural shows across the country, both competitions were put on hold and the young women will now compete at State level in August this year. Ms Hester said she has wanted to enter the Showgirl competition since she was a little girl. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I was disappointed not to go to EKKA last year but I am happy for the opportunity to compete this year.” Caitlyn has attended both the EKKA and Beaudesert Show since she was young, and showed cattle at Beaudesert Show during high school.
Rural Ambassador Georgia Rodgers said she is excited to compete at the EKKA this year. “I’m a pretty rural person as it is. I think it is essential that Caitlyn and I both show the younger generation that agriculture is important.” Georgia lived in rural Victoria until she was 10 and has lived in the Beaudesert area since. She currently works as an agronomist in Beaudesert and is looking forward to spending some time in Gatton for work in the next six months. Georgia said she and Caitlyn will be involved in mentoring the 2021 Showgirl and Rural Ambassadors.
