Geena Purcell made history on Saturday night as the first Wellington showgirl to be selected as a finalist for The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition.
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A spokesperson for the Rural Agricultural Society archives revealed the achievement on Monday, confirming “the competition has never had a finalist who has identified as being from Wellington”.
Geena, an accountant with Crowe Horwath in Wellington, was one of three from 19 showgirls to earn a place in the 2018 Sydney Royal finals as they attended the Zone 6 final at Blayney on Saturday.
Her success was announced alongside fellow showgirls, Caitlin Herbert of Eugowra and Grace Allen of Forbes who will attend the finals at the Sydney Royal Show on March 25.
“At the forefront of it it’s an honour to represent your town and that's what I told the judges in Blayney, that regardless of whether I make it to Sydney or not I’m still a winner because I’ve been able to create positive energy for the town of Wellington and for the show society,” Geena said.
She hopes to use the opportunity to highlight Wellington, it’s tourist attractions and business community.
“What I want to get out of it is to not only represent my town at the Royal Easter Show and talk about how wonderful it is, but to use it as a learning curb for myself in that whether I place at Sydney or not I’ll grow as a person and bring that knowledge back to share with the Wellington Show Society and the showgirls.
“It is a positive experience regardless – I hope to make some new networks, and meet people who can assist in growing our town and our show society especially.”
Geena’s selection comes after a vigorous judging process led by Agricultural Societies Council president David Peters, The Land’s Karen Bailey and 2009 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl second runner-up Lauren Elkins.
Each entrant undertook a 15-minute interview with a panel of three judges at Blayney’s Athol Gardens during the day.
They also attended lunch on the veranda of the Athol Gardens homestead.
The evening proceedings included dinner with special guests, family and friends and a short on-stage interview before the judging results were announced.
Bev Hutchinson of the Wellington Show Society was thrilled at the outcome, having held strong confidence in Geena ahead of the Zone 6 finals.
“She’s so confident and poised, and speaks so professionally up on stage and that just comes across so nice,” Bev said.
“It is just another positive thing for Wellington, for Geena to reach the State Finals it is a great achievement for our town, our show society and herself – she has done herself proud.”
Geena wished to thank Bev for the support and guidance she has provided over the last 11 months during her journey as showgirl.
“I am very grateful for her time and efforts as coordinator,” Geena said.
