Showgirl Award
2025 Rockhampton Agricultural Show Showgirl Entrants
We are excited to introduce you to our 2025 entrants. Congratulations to our entrants, we wish them luck throughout their journey!
Alesha Stehbens
Alesha’s passion for Agricultural Shows began early within the Poultry Competitions, where she has volunteered at Shows throughout the CQ Region. After graduating university in 2020 with a Bachelor of Podiatry Practice with Honours, Alesha works full-time at CQ Podiatry. A career aspiration of Alesha’s is to pursue further qualifications within her occupation and building on relationships and communications with clients and the community.
Beyond her dedication to her career, a 2025 goal Alesha has, is to try and show her off the track racehorse named Tequila. Alesha also has many interests and hobbies including, dancing, horse riding, long distance running, assisting in local regional Agricultural Shows in the Poultry Competitions and enjoys photography.
By being part of the 2025 Showgirl Awards, Alesha hopes to gain personal growth and broaden her knowledge around the community, the show movements and rural industry impacts. Alesha would like to use this opportunity to promote Agricultural Shows and encourage younger generations to be more actively involved within the Show movements.
Yinhan Zhou
Currently studying for a Bachelor of Agriculture degree at CQU as an International Student, Yinhan has decided to expand her agricultural knowledge by stepping outside her comfort zone and joining the 2025 Showgirl Award. Yinhan has a strong passion for the Agricultural Industry, where she hopes to further her studies with a master’s degree.
Yinhan aspires to be a farmer in the future with a keen focus on tropical orchards, growing organic fruits, improving fruit farming methods and pursuing efficient and eco-friendly production. A goal for Yinhan’s Showgirl journey is connecting with local farmers, learning their stories and advocating their rights and struggles.
As an international student, Yinhan wishes to embrace and participate in more community events and local Agricultural Shows. This enthusiasm aligns with her ongoing study. In her downtime Yinhan enjoys reading, listening to music, walking in dog parks and hiking.
Proudly sponsored locally by the Great Western Hotel, the Rockhampton Showgirl Competition recognises and celebrates inspiring young women as ambassadors for the Rockhampton Agricultural Show.
About the Showgirl Competition
The Queensland Country Life Showgirl Competition is hosted at all levels of the agricultural show movement in Queensland – locally at the Rockhampton Show and other Shows around the State, at regional (Sub-Chamber) level, and at State level coinciding with the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in August.
The winner of the 2025 Rockhampton Showgirl Award will represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show at the Central Queensland Sub-Chamber Showgirl Awards. If selected as the CQ Sub-Chamber Showgirl winner, they will have the honour of representing their community in the State Queensland Showgirl Awards at the Ekka.
In 2024, Emily Wickham, the Rockhampton Showgirl, achieved great success, winning both the Rockhampton Agricultural Show and Central Queensland Sub-Chamber finals and then representing Central Queensland at the Ekka.
"I honed my skills in personal development and etiquette, mingled with esteemed politicians, and proudly represented young women in agriculture." Emily Wickham, Showgirl 2024
What are the prizes?
First Place Prize Package - valued at $1,000
The first-place winner will receive a generous prize package valued at $1,000. Alongside the monetary prize, the winner is honoured with a prestigious official sash and a beautiful bouquet of celebratory flowers. One of the most exciting aspects of the win is the civic recognition: the winner will be extended a special Mayoral invitation as a guest to all civic events in the following 12 months. This unique opportunity offers unprecedented access to community leadership and networking opportunities.
Second Place Prize Package - valued at $500
Even our runner-up receives remarkable recognition to celebrate their achievement. The second-place contestant is awarded a prize package valued at $500. Like the first-place winner, the runner-up is presented with an official sash symbolising their accomplishment and commemorative flowers to mark their success.
What commitments will the entrants have?
The Showgirl Competition offers several exciting opportunities for participants to engage with their community, develop personal skills, and represent the Rockhampton Agricultural Show in the lead-up to the Show in June.
Mark these important dates in your calendar to ensure you can meet the expectations of the Rockhampton Showgirl Competition.
26 February: Nominee meet and greet
Begin your journey with a special introduction to the Show Committee. This event marks the official start of your Showgirl Competition experience and provides you with all the key information required to achieve your best.
27 February – 29 April: Community Volunteering and Professional Development Workshop
Participants are expected to give back to the community through meaningful volunteer work during these dates. You will also boost your confidence and public speaking skills through a dedicated workshop organised by the Show Committee.
29 May – 1 June: Rockhampton Show Promotions
Nominees will help the Show Committee promote the Rockhampton Agricultural Show by assisting with event ticket sales at Stockland Rockhampton and distributing show programs.
11 June: Nominee Celebration and Q&A
With our Rockhampton Showgirl sponsor, the Great Western Hotel, you’ll participate in a special event highlighting the journeys of all nominees. The event will feature a judged on-stage Q&A session and the opportunity to showcase your individual stories and achievements with attendees.
12 June: Showgirl Announcement and Grand Parade
The pinnacle of the competition, the announcement of the 2025 Rockhampton Agricultural Show Showgirl takes place at the Grand Parade as part of the official Rockhampton Agricultural Show opening.
12 June: Show Competition Awards Presentation and Q&A Panel
The Showgirl winner and nominees will support the various section committees by presenting awards and ribbons in competitions, including cattle, poultry, school work, and more.
12 – 13 June: Fashion Parade
The Showgirl winner and nominees will help local clothing businesses showcase their fashion collections by modelling the latest looks on the Community Stage on both days of the Show.
How will the entrants be judged?
Entrants are evaluated on a range of criteria that reflect the qualities celebrated by the Queensland Country Life Showgirls Award. Judges will assess personal and professional ambitions, community involvement, and general knowledge, spanning local to international topics.
Entrants will also demonstrate their awareness of the agricultural industry, including its challenges and their impact on communities, as well as their commitment to Agricultural Shows.
Key attributes such as personal presentation, leadership, public speaking, confidence and engagement with others will play a significant role, culminating in an on-stage interview showcasing their ability to inspire and connect.
Questions?
We’re happy to help. Contact the team by emailing show@rrc.qld.gov.au