It will be the end of an era as far as the annual showgirl competition goes, with this being the final Nowra Showgirl Competition as such, after the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW and the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) of NSW reached agreement last month on a new name for the showgirl competition.

From 2022 onwards the showgirl competition will be known as the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition.

The name change, which will be adopted at the State and Zone level in 2022, recognises the role of the Sydney Royal and importantly the agricultural shows which bring these young women together.

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While the Nowra Show Society has continued to use the name Nowra Showgirl for this year, it will adopting young woman in its title going forward.

It is envisaged that the first Nowra Show Young Woman will be awarded in 2023.

Despite a difficult year, like many organisations trying to organise events with COVID, the Nowra Show Society has remarkably managed to organise a showgirl competition.

With all the uncertainties around the ongoing COVID situation, the society wasn't able to start planning for the showgirl competition in earnest until two months ago, so had limited time to find entrants.

Nowra Showgirl coordinator Jessica Apperley said one of the main obstacles was around whether or not the organisation would be able to have the presentation dinner.

"We felt without the presentation dinner the competition isn't the same...without the opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate the showgirls' achievements," she said.

"However, restrictions were lifted in time and we have been able to proceed."

The annual showgirl development day was held on Sunday, November 14, with showgirls from Milton and Camden joining with the Nowra Showgirl entrants.

The society has announced two entrants for the 2022 Nowra Showgirl Competition, Samantha Dunn and Imogen Clarke.

Imogen, 22, from Nowra, is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong.

Outside of study, Imogen enjoys the performing arts and is actively involved in Albatross Musical Theatre Company (AMTC), choreographing multiple junior productions.

Imogen was also involved with the Cancer Council's fundraising event Stars of Nowra: Dance for Cancer as well as the Relay for Life.

He sporting interests, include playing AFL, Netball and Touch Football.

Combining her experience with agriculture and musical theatre, Imogine has written a short musical to be performed at the 2022 Nowra Show.

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Imogen hopes to apply to medical school or complete a paramedic course and begin working in rural health.

Samantha, 21, from Cambewarra is completing a Certificate III in Sign and Graphics to go along with her three-year sign writing apprenticeship.

A graduate of St John's, Samantha enjoys painting - especially as a means of relaxing - and cheering on her siblings who play for the Bomaderry Tigers.

Last Year, Samantha was selected to be part of the Regional Youth Task Force 2021 where she had the opportunity to advise the Minister for Regional Youth on issues affecting young people living in regional NSW.

This year Sam has been taking weekend courses through Batyr to help break mental health stigmas within Australia.

In the future, Samantha hopes to work towards having her own signage workshop.

Judging for the 2022 competition will be held this Saturday, November 27, starting with a judging lunch and interviews, followed by the annual Showgirl Presentation Dinner at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre where the 2022 Showgirl will be announced.

Following the Showgirl Competition, the Nowra Show Society is looking ahead to the 145th Nowra Show on February 4-5, 2022.

Pre-sale tickets are available now at www.nowrashow.org.au

Nowra Show Society would like to thank the following for their generous support of the Showgirl Competition: Nowra Chemicals (Major Sponsor), To The Point Accountants (Gold Sponsor), Blooms The Chemist - Junction Street, Bomaderry Bowling Club, Coolangatta Estate, Flamingo Florist, Knickerboxers, Nowra Nutrimetics Team, Ponte Bar and Dining, Rachael Tagg Photography, Scruples Hair and Beauty, Shoalhaven City Council, The Lookout Cambewarra Mountain, Tuscany Wood Fired Restaurant.

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