Go the Girls - A Showgirls' Tribute

Written by Anna Ferguson

Like Beyoncé asked, “Who runs the world?”, of course the answer is GIRLS. Just like the strength and perseverance in the lyrics of this amazing female singer stepping up and showing up, the women of Queensland are doing the exact same in their own ways. To be a fellow female cheering and celebrating all women, I’m proud to be in the crowd and on the stage yelling “Go the girls!”. We are beautiful. We are talented. We are strong.

After some time to myself to let the last week settle in, I have been reflecting and the wholesome and raw opportunities the 2022 Queensland Country Life Showgirl State Finals have provided me. I have entered a new chapter of my life and feel like a completely different woman since I arrived only one week ago. Moving forward, I have the confidence to make some major decisions knowing I will be able to handle anything that comes my way. A number of light bulb moments have occurred to me throughout the week and in the quiet moments on my own. I’m in awe of the journey I’ve been on and forever grateful I was able to be involved in this experience.

For a young woman striving to make a different in secondary schools promoting young girls to get into sport while developing positive attitudes to physical activity, I have been blessed the opportunities and challenges of late. I did not think a random late night back in 2021 wondering how else I can challenge myself after COVID ruined by summer camp plans in the USA, that I’d apply at my local show society to be a Showgirl. It is something I always considered when I saw the lovely women representing Beaudesert at the show, but never shared my desires with anyone as it was, and still is something completely out of character for me. From a young girl who just wanted to play sport all day, live in polo shirts and shorts and to not rock the boat, to learning how to embrace all of who I am and give myself the compassion and empathy I deserve, and be a representative on a stage for so many, I honestly still can’t fathom the changes and acceptance I’ve gone through to at the very least, get to here.

It’s been a long, winding road and if I’m honest with myself, I am only halfway up the mountain. The best part of the climb is still to come and while it’s unknown because I’ve lost all my maps and bearings, I’m excited and eager to navigate what’s next without it. I know I have nothing to fear and recognising that I am enough and worthy just as I am, without any of the extra bits and pieces, is what makes me realise I am a unique, confident and special young woman. I would never usually admit this – but damn, I gotta give myself some credit!

The Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards is something so much more than a title or a sash and the people behind these are what matter and what deserves our attention. A title is just words and a sash is just an accessory. The actions we take and words we speak show the world much more about who we are and is just the beginning of demonstrating what we can do. To the 10 most amazing, beautiful, talented and driven women I had the pleasure of working alongside last week, you are truly queens. There is no other way to describe it. You are all special in your own ways and the qualities and characteristics to brought to the table and the vulnerability you showed is life changing. We have all taught each other so many lessons through our different experiences from different regions throughout the sunshine state. Thank you for standing up and showing up in your community because without you, making a difference and changing the narrative wouldn’t happen. The next year and beyond is your chance to get up, be brave and give back. I know you all will throughout the various industries we come from but of course, in our own local show societies and sub chambers.

We had a number of special gals join us from across the border during the State Finals as previous winners of NSW’s version of the Showgirl Awards. Thank you to each and every one of you for your expertise, experience and guidance to support us all during the week. At times, everything felt so heavy, but having you all around to help lighten the load was magnificent. I hold each of you in such high regard and thank you for giving up your time to be part of our experience. You added the most incredible touches to an already top-notch week! To our fellow 2021 Queensland Showgirl Winner and Runner-Up, Brittany Kugel and Cheneya Vetter, thank you for paving the way post-COVID to put Showgirls back on the scene as important females in the agricultural realm worthy of learning, growing and experiencing everything Queensland and our Ag Shows movement has to offer. You are both the most grounded souls I have met and I am inspired by your willingness to support us all and guide us through the fun times and the hard times. You will always be winners and two fantastic females leading the way to positive changes and shifts in society.

Walking into the competition last week, I met three admirable females conquering the world in their own ways, who have each worked their butt off to provide all of us the chance to be recognised and celebrated and of course, develop our skills and ourselves as the beautiful humans we are. Thank you to Ellie O’Hara, Janine Milne and Kylee Matthews from our committee for making this experience possible. The hours of dedication leading up and during the week plus the long days and minimal rest don’t go unnoticed. You gave all of yourself to this program just as much as we did. It has been inspiring to watch you stand up and lead this experience with the power and passion that you did. Thank you. It has been a privilege to share this with you all.

Obviously, none of this would have been possible without our dedicated sponsors. We had a line-up of outstanding businesses and people supporting our experience. The value each of you place upon this competition is extremely special and is evident through your continued support and guidance. Thank you for all that you do and continue to do for this competition. Past, current and future Showgirls cannot thank you enough!

When I arrived last Tuesday, I honestly forgot my experience was a competition. I was so heavily involved and invested in the program and in awe of the fellow females in the room, that I just wanted to talk, learn and be inspired by them all – the most amazing part is that I was able to do all that. And while there can only be one winner, I strongly believe we are all winners and we came to Brisbane with something that separated us from the rest. That in itself is enough to be recognised and celebrated. However, the winner and runner-up are two fierce and brave spirits stepping out of their comfort zone to share their story with the world. Congratulations to Sarah Rose from Gatton Show Society in my neighbouring sub chamber, West Moreton/Brisbane Valley and the runner-up to Amy Kuhne from my beloved Mt Isa in the Central and North West sub chamber. You two girls are the epitome of the mission and vision of the Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards. I cannot wait to see where this takes you and the experiences and knowledge you gain. You are game-changers in your regions and perfect role models for future youth and females in our Showgirl competitions. Celebrate yourselves and your achievements as you deserve it! You both have a very special place in my heart and wish you all the best. I will definitely be along for the ride over the next 12 months and beyond.

Born and bred in Beaudesert with family history stretching back to the original settlers of the area, I’m proud to be part of this community and have grown up with the most loving family, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors and colleagues. Thank you to you all for your unwavering support, devotion and kind words of encouragement and wisdom. It means a heck of a lot to have my community backing me constantly and I am grateful I had the chance to represent it on stage. It takes a village to raise a child and I pay tribute to this town for making me the woman I am today and for supporting my every step in this journey. We have a number of challenges facing our friendly, rural community, but I’m prepared to do what I can to sustain and maintain the beauty of Beaudesert. Thank you to the Beaudesert Show Society and Showgirl Committee for your openness, organisation and behind the scenes work to support me and provide me with opportunities I would not have usually been able to do.

I’m still reminiscing to the time on stage at the Ekka during the finals and when I heard “… representing the South East”, I thought “Oh, that’s a great region”. It took me a while longer, or what you could say a Joey moment from Friends, to realise what happened. In that moment, I’d just been announced as the 2022 Showgirls’ Choice. I was, and still am gobsmacked by receiving this award. To me, this is extremely special and trumps any medal, trophy or sash I could receive. I’ve been working hard on myself to let go of the fear, of the not good enough-ness and the idea that I’m defined by my past. Not an easy feat, but one I was required to do to bring out and accept all of who I am including my flaws (e.g. road rage lol). I have a saying that has stuck with me that reads “You are naturally beautiful when you are yourself”. This is so very true and I would hate to spend energy on being someone I’m not. There will always be people who don’t vibe with you or like your energy. That is okay as we are all different – all that means is they aren’t your people. Don’t give up or more importantly, change who you truly are to fit in. This will be more detrimental for what it’s worth.

It’s clear to see why I named this article, ‘Go the girls’. Every single woman on my journey has played a special part in helping me climb my way up the mountain by lending a hand, giving me a number of tools and equipment or simply providing me a chance to slow down, rest and talk before climbing some more. Whatever part you have played, I thank you from the bottom of my very full and gracious heart. We are the future of this world and sooner rather than later, I want you to take a step back and consider how you contribute to the world? What are you passionate about and how can you make more of a difference? Each of us have a spark and finding the right starter to help our burn and shine brighter than ever before is key. You are all unique, intelligent and strong. Don't settle for less - get out there and be you, your future self will thank you for it! #gothegirls