Crowned Miss Showgirl of the southwest off to the Ekka

Taroom and Wandoan ladies take out southwest regional finals.

REPRESENTATIVES: Southwest Rural Ambassador finalist Sarah Scarffe and Miss Showgirl finalist Brooke Currie. Picture: Caitlin Crothers

GETTING involved with her local show was just the beginning for Brooke Currie, who has been crowned Miss Showgirl finalist for the southwest.

Ms Currie represented Taroom at the final round of judging on Saturday night in Cunnamulla, and will now head to the Ekka in August as a representative of the region.

Before arriving in Taroom late last year, Ms Currie lived in Wallumbilla, and originally hails from Toowoomba. She credits the move west for her interest in rural issues, and for motivation in becoming a showgirl.

"The interests that I shared with the Toowoomba community have now evolved in to being interested about rural matters and issues, so it has been great to have other people to communicate that with in the showgirl competition," Ms Currie said.

"There were seven of us at the competition on Saturday, and the other six girls absolutely blew me away with their knowledge, dedication and passion for their communities, and the common thread between us was wanting to talk about issues that affect women in rural areas and give a voice to that as well."

Ms Curries plans on taking the showgirls' shared vision to the Ekka as the representative of the region.

"If I can be a voice for our region, that would be wonderful, and I hope people will trust me to speak on their behalf," she said.

"I spoke with last year's Showgirl, Georgia Hoolihan from Dirranbandi, who said she had written stories and taken part in interviews and was able to put her opinions and perspectives forward, so I am hoping I'll get that same opportunity."

Ms Currie will go to the Ekka with another local by her side: Rural Ambassador finalist Sarah Scarffe from Wandoan. Mrs Scarffe took on the unique role to learn more about the variety of industries across the vast southwest.

"Rural issues are something that is pretty close to my heart; having grown up on my dad's beef cattle property in Wandoan, and now living on a farm in Jandowae with my husband, it is one of the things I am very passionate about," Mrs Scarffe said.

"Rural Ambassador is a unique role that gives you a platform to be an advocate for rural industries, but also learn more about them.

"The sub-chamber is so geographically broad and takes in so many different farming industries, so I think it is going to be a big learning experience, which will be great."

Mrs Scarffe and Ms Currie will attend the Ekka from August 9-18.