For the first time in more than a decade, Cowra will host a Zone Final for the Sydney Showgirl Competition – so it’s safe to say our Cowra Showgirl will have the hometown advantage.
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With the town throwing their support behind her, 2016 Cowra Showgirl Melanie Savva is busy preparing for the Zone 6 Final, which will be held on March 4 at the Cowra Showgirl Pavilion.
“To be completely honest I'm a bit nervous for the upcoming zone final but through many conversations and meeting with Trish (Gundersen, Cowra Showgirl coordinator) I believe that I do have what it takes to do well in Zone,” Melanie said.
“Preparations I've done have just mainly been at home reading The Land and a lot of things on Google and also information I've read which Trish has emailed through to me.
“Also I've had some help of one of the past showgirls Monique which has been really helpful!”
Having grown up in Cowra and now working locally, Melanie says she originally entered the Cowra Showgirl competition to become more involved in the Show and the Cowra community.
“I wanted to get into the show atmosphere originally just to be more involved in the community and the show and see where it went from there,” she said.
She said being named as the 2016 Cowra Showgirl only helped boost her confidence even more and believes she can now put her mind to anything.
“I'd definitely encourage young women to get involved into the showgirl circuit,” Mel said.
“I didn't think in a million years I would win it but here I am!
“I believe that winning showgirl gives you the confidence to be able to stand up and have your opinion and get more involved in the community.”
Melanie and 20 other girls will be vying to be one of three finalists who will go on to represent the region at the 2017 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Melanie says, win or lose at Zone Finals, it’s the experience and friends you make throughout the process that makes it all worth it.
“I personally believe that whether you win or lose, everyone gains something different out of it,” she said.
“Whether it be confidence, experiences of making new friends, it's all worth it.”
Despite being a traditional event in country towns, Melanie believes there is still a place for not only Showgirl competitions but for country shows.
“I do believe there is still a place for shows today because it bring the whole community together, to get behind the big events,” she said.
“...the enjoyment it brings to many kids faces is the reason why it should continue.”
