A much-anticipated competition of the Dubbo Show is making a comeback after COVID-19 and the most recent winner is encouraging young women to enter.
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Tyla Comerford embraced the opportunities that arose as the 2019 Zoo FM Dubbo Showgirl.
Now she, along with chief steward Josie Anderson, is promoting the competition to women aged 18 to 23 with entries closing on May 5.
"I would 100 per cent recommend anyone to enter as you've absolutely got nothing to lose and everything to gain," she said.
"You've got new friends to gain, experiences, personal development."
Miss Comerford was studying a double degree in agriculture and business at the University of New England when she entered.
"Throughout my time as Dubbo Showgirl back in 2019 I was away at uni, so it gave me a great connection back to Dubbo," she said.
"It gave me a good reason to come home and still keep up to date with what was going on in the community."
As Dubbo Showgirl, Miss Comerford held a charity event, in which she and 2017 Dubbo Showgirl Rose Broughton cut off their hair to raise money for the Dubbo Show Society and Variety Australia, as well donating their long locks for wigs.
She's also since graduated and returned to her home town to pursue a career in agriculture.
Her contribution to the community is praised by the chief steward, who is highlighting a movement that is "moving with the times".
Ms Anderson, who won the title in 2018, says it's not a beauty contest, but instead about how entrants present themselves, their knowledge of their region and how they contribute or intend to contribute to their community.
"I feel we are moving in a really positive direction with the Showgirl competition," she said.
"Jillian Kilby is a past [Sydney Royal] Showgirl who lives locally in Dubbo and she was part of the judging panel for the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition this year, and I think that really reflects there are some home-grown professionals in the region, who are amazing and they have a lot to give.
"It's a real credit to the competition that these women are still living in regional areas because that's what they're passionate about.
"...It's really become a movement you can do anything with, it's an opportunity that you can really run with and make it your own."
The competition offers prizes to the value of $3000 and further information can be obtained from the Dubbo Show Office on 6882 4364.
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