THE Gympie and District Show might be over for 2011 but organisers are already hard at work on next year’s event. And right now the show committee is looking for two special young women to participate in the 2012 Miss Showgirl competition. Show secretary Deb Rowlands said the competition was off to a great start with Peta Dray chosen to represent the beef section and Sarah Aberdein representing the ring section. “We need two more girls for the dairy and pavilion sections,” Mrs Rowlands said. The girls will join the ranks of a select group of young women who stepped forward to support their local community. “The Miss Showgirl awards are a time-honoured tradition and many fine young ladies throughout the years have represented our region with poise, grace and generosity,” she said. Entrants, aged between 18 and 27, are required to run fundraising events up until the annual show ball, to raise money for the 2012 show. The young woman who raised the most money would be sashed 2012 Miss Charity Showgirl. Mrs Rowlands said each competitor was judged on their community spirit, general knowledge, presentation and manner by a panel of judges. The overall winner received the Miss Showgirl Sash and went on to represent the Gympie region in the sub chamber final. From there, the winner would go on to contest the state finals at the Brisbane Royal Show. As well, the show society was looking for applicants to join the 2012 Junior Miss Showgirl competition. The junior competition is open to teenagers aged from 15 to 17. Mrs Rowlands would also like to hear from young men and women aged between 20 and 30 years interested in being candidates for the Rural Ambassador Award. “This is an opportunity for young people from regional areas who have a passion for their rural lifestyle to help raise the profile of Queensland agricultural shows,” Mrs Rowlands said. If you would like more information on the competitions, contact the Gympie District Show Society on 5482 1721or email au