Gympie Showgirl 2025 is Grace Hankinson
As preparations heat up for the Gympie District Show on May 15-17, the event’s winning Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls were crowned in a night of celebration on Saturday.
Gympie
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As preparations heat up for the Gympie District Show on May 15-17, the event’s winning Rural Ambassadors and Showgirls were crowned in a night of celebration on Saturday.
The four finalists were Senior Rural Ambassador Chloe Andreassen, Senior Showgirl Grace Hankinson, Junior Showgirl Charlotte Sippel, and both Junior Rural Ambassador and Community Spirit Award winner Payton Rozynski.
“It was a fantastic night,” said Gympie Show Society president Deb Brown.
“We had nine entrants this year, and the girls all worked as a team over numerous events and fundraisers throughout the year.”
The funds raised by the contestants will go towards covering expenses of the three-day show.
Following a first dance with the finalists and their partners, Ms Brown said the other candidates joined the dancefloor.
The four winners will now progress to the subchamber finals in November, and ultimately score a chance to head to the Ekka.
The winners were decided by a six-judge panel of Jasmine Thornes, Evangeline Goodfellow, Brianne Hurley, Donagh Archer, Simone Silcock and Gemma Kirby.
Ms Archer said judging the event had been inspirational.
“It was an incredible experience that left me feeling inspired about the future of our rural industries,” she said.
“For those who may not be familiar, agricultural shows — or ‘ag shows’ — are vital celebrations of rural life, showcasing livestock, produce, equestrian events, and community achievements.
“The Gympie District Show is one of the largest in rural Queensland, second only to the Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) in Brisbane.
“It’s a major event that not only celebrates agricultural excellence but also strengthens the connection between rural communities and the broader public.
“We met nine remarkable young women, aged 15 to 28, each bringing a depth of knowledge and passion for agriculture that was truly impressive. Their dedication to their industries — whether beef, dairy, or cropping — shone through every conversation.
“These young leaders discussed the challenges facing agriculture today with a level of insight well beyond their years.
“The rising cost of living, mental health pressures, stagnant commodity prices, deregulation in the dairy sector, and tariffs impacting the beef industry. Their understanding wasn’t just theoretical. It was shaped by lived experience on their properties and in their communities.
“Equally impressive was their practical expertise. From animal husbandry, showing stud cattle, and weed control to broader discussions about food security and the risks of importing products like milk from overseas, their knowledge and commitment were staggering.
“Many of them are already managing cattle studs, achieving academic excellence, excelling in sports, and giving back to their communities — all while still studying or working and still under the legal age to drive!.
“It was a timely reminder that without farmers, Australia has no food — and that the future of our agricultural industries rests in extraordinarily capable hands.
“Congratulations to all the participants, and a heartfelt thank you to the Gympie District community for fostering such outstanding young leaders.”
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