Melbourne Royal launches competition to find ‘face of the Show’

For the first time in its 176-year history, the Melbourne Royal Show has launched a competition with incredible prizes for one lucky child.

Victorian kids are being offered a shot at the ride of a lifetime as the Melbourne Royal Show launches a competition to find “the face” of the 2024 event.

In a first for the Show’s 176-year history, all kids in the state aged eight to 11 can apply for the coveted role.

The winner will score a prize pack valued at $3000, containing tickets and money-can’t-buy experiences for themselves and their immediate family.

They’ll also gain exclusive early access to activities as a participant in media events and launches – including road-testing showbags and rides, and cuddling baby animals for TV appearances and photo shoots.

Billie, 11, pictured with Barbara the lamb, was the face of the 2023 Show. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Kids can apply by submitting a 30-second video via royalshow.com.au, with the help of a parent or guardian, stating their name, age and why they want to be the Face of the Show.

Billie, from Essendon, was the first to take on the role last year, but was chosen through a casting process rather than a public competition.

The now-11-year-old had been attending the Show since she was in a pram and was thrilled to be involved in the event.

“I really loved meeting all the animals and Farmer Darryl, the rides, the agriculture – it was just really fun,” she said.

“I got to launch the showbags (and) go on the rides early.

“Being recognised was really cool, too. I made new friends from school and got a new nickname, ‘Billboard Billie’. I didn’t want it to end.”

Her advice for the next Face of the Show: “Be brave (and) confident”.

As 2023 face of the Show, Billie got to check out the showbags. Picture: David Caird

And hang out with cute baby animals. Picture: David Caird

Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins urged kids to consider applying, saying: “What could be more fun than going behind the scenes with baby animals, access to rides and getting a first look at our showbags?”

Applications close February 28. The winner will be announced at the launch of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show in August.

Originally published as Melbourne Royal launches competition to find ‘face of the Show’