Showgirls / Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition History
The first RAS Showgirl competition was held in 1962. Its introduction was well thought-through and part of a wider strategic push by the RAS to strengthen ties with regional agricultural societies through zone conferences, field competitions and symposiums. At its heart, the competition aimed to broaden the experience of young rural women, strengthening their communication skills and boosting their confidence in the hope they would return to their communities better equipped to take on future leadership roles.
The contest was suggested by management consultants and was introduced partly at the instigation of Gilbert Mant (RAS Public Relations Manager 1956-1969). Conducted with the official assistance the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, it appealed at a grassroots level and rapidly increased in popularity.
The format was simple and is essentially unchanged. Each local show society holds a competition, with the winner going on to compete at a zone level. Finalists from each zone then compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Judging criteria has also remained unchanged. Over the course of a series of interviews, talks, and functions, contestants are evaluated on personality, confidence, ambition and goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech. Finalists are also asked to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and current affairs. Apart from their potential ambassadorial qualities, contestants are also judged on their involvement in and experience of rural affairs.
The 1962 inaugural winner of the Miss Showgirl Competition (as it was originally known), was horse exhibitor Margaret Mackay, daughter of ringmaster and Horse Committee chairman Ken Mackay. In common with later prize winners, Margaret acted as an emissary for agricultural societies, appearing at shows and speaking at event all around the state. The judges of that first competition were Mrs Playfair (wife of then RAS President), Jim MacDougall (journalist from the Daily Mirror), and American actress Jane Russell. First prize was £250 pounds, a sash and a silver tray.
Later in life Margaret Mackay went on to serve on the RAS Council (as Mrs Margaret Pennefather). Margaret was the second woman elected to Council; the first, Robyn Clubb, had also been a Showgirl, winning in 1981 as Robyn Johnson.
The competition was an immediate success and quickly attracted sponsorship support. In 1963 an overseas trip was offered as part of the prize package, literally opening-up the world for young women who, at that time, had limited opportunities to travel. Major sponsors have been: the Daily Mirror (1962-1965); the Daily Telegraph (1970-1972); the Women’s Weekly (1973-1978); and The Land (1979- present).
In 2022 the name of the Competition was changed from the ‘Miss Showgirl Competition’ to the ‘Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman’ competition, recognising the role of the Sydney Royal and importantly the agricultural shows which bring these young women together.