From the archive: More than a decade of Burnett showgirls

Flash back on more than a decade of Burnett’s stunning showgirls as the local show season officially launches across the region.

MISS SHOWGIRL. Entrants vying for the Burnett Miss Showgirl crown included Ellie-Jay Turner (Gayndah), Sarah Seabrook (Biggenden), Emma-Kate McGeorge (Eidsvold), Amanda Christensen (Mundubbera), Shannah Muller (Monto), Kayla Thomsen (Teebar) and Sarah Bear (Mt Perry). Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Regional shows have long been a treasured part of the North Burnett region social calendar, with families, competitors and tourists visiting their locals showgrounds for a day of fun and fancy.

Flashback gallery: Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Childers Showgirls

The face of the show, the beloved Showgirl has always been the friendly guide to the in’s and out’s of local shows.

While the appeal of the Showgirl has waned in recent years, the importance of their position has prevailed amid perceptions of a growing divide between city and rural living.

Meet the Wide Bay Burnett 2023 Showgirls and Rural Ambassadors

Here are more than 70 of the amazing stars from across the past decades of the Eidsvold, Mundubbera, Monto, Mount Perry, Gayndah and Biggenden shows.

Burnett subchamber finalists showgirls:

MISS SHOWGIRL. Entrants vying for the Burnett Miss Showgirl 2011 crown included Ellie-Jay Turner (Gayndah), Sarah Seabrook (Biggenden), Emma-Kate McGeorge (Eidsvold), Amanda Christensen (Mundubbera), Shannah Muller (Monto), Kayla Thomsen (Teebar) and Sarah Bear (Mt Perry). Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

MISS SHOWGIRL. Burnett Sub-chamber Miss Showgirl 2011 runner up Sarah Seabrook of Biggenden with winner Emma-Kate McGeorge of Eidsvold and Miss Showgirl 2010 Brianna Hockey of Monto following Saturday's judging at Biggenden. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

SHOWGIRLS: Jessica Zelow from Teebar, Megan Vicary from Mundubbera, Amy Hampson from Gayndah, Alexis Hindmarsh of Eidsvold and Miss Showgirl Carlyn Lewis of Monto at the Burnett Miss Showgirl sub-chamber finals 2012. Photo: Contributed

LOCALS AT EKKA: Carlyn Lewis, Monto Burnett Miss Showgirl Finalist and Jess Bargenquast, Biggenden Burnett Rural Ambassador Finalist at the 30th Anniversary Dinner for the Miss Showgirl Awards 2012. Photo: Contributed

2014 MISS SHOWGIRL FINALISTS: From left, Queensland Country Life's Miss Showgirl 2013 Donna Baker with 2014 Miss Showgirl Burnett Sub-chamber Sophie Hughes (Teebar), runner-up Bonnie Coolee (Bundaberg), and finalists: Chantelle Wain (Mundubbera), Emma Oppermann (Gayndah), Taylor Laney (Monto), Joanna Pickering (Eidsvold), Georga Jones (Mt Perry), Caitlin Gilfoyle (Gin Gin). Photo Shirley Way / Central & North Burnett Times

The 2016 Mundubbera Miss Showgirl Candidates, Annaleigh Jackson, Laura Maeyke, Brittany Corss, Charlotte Jacobi and Mel Robinson at the Mundubbera Sunset Soiree. Photo Tobi Loftus / Central & North Burnett Times

WINNING SMILES: Burnett Sub-Chamber Miss Showgirl 2018 Emily Rockemer of Teebar with runner up Laura Campbell of Gin Gin and Community Vision award winner, Sara Darrow of Mundubbera at Saturday's judging at Biggenden.

MISS SHOWGIRL JUDGING: Charlie Hartwig (Eidsvold), Nicole Strathdee (Bundaberg), Emily Bust (Biggenden), Courtney Wallace (Mt Perry), Laura Campbell (Gin Gin), Sara Darrow (Mundubbera), Allie Emmerton (Gayndah), Emily Rockemer (Teebar) and Elizabeth Dades Glase (Monto).

Mundubbera Show

Mundubbera Miss Showgirl 2011 entrant Alicia Barbour with her dad Gary at the That's Hollywood show cabaret. Photo Sue Harris / Central & North Burnett Times

2010 Mundubbera Showgirl Jeanice Swann (centre) with this year's entrants. On her left are 2011 Miss Showgirl Amanda Christensen and Miss Congeniality Chloe Free. On her right are Miss Showgirl runner-up Alicia Barbour and Miss Personality Kimberley Benham. Photo Sue Harris / Central & North Burnett Times

Whitaker Miss Pinky Pie Grand Champion female who went on to receive Supreme Exhibit of the Show handled by Corey Evans of Kingaroy, Mundubbera 2013 Miss Showgirl Megan Vicary and the judge Kim Barnett. Photo Robyn Whitaker

2014 Mundubbera Miss Showgirl Chantelle Wain sparkled at the ball, last Friday. Photo Contributed Lynette Vicary.

Lynette Vicary Mundubbera 2015 Miss Show Girl is looking stunning on her night Photo Noel Thompson / Central & North Burnett Times

2016's Miss Showgirl Laura Maeyke, Bec O'Brien at the 2017 Mundubbera Showgirl.

Rachel Chambers, Miss Showgirl Brittany Cross and Lynette Vicary at the Mundubbera Sunset Soiree. Photo Tobi Loftus / Central & North Burnett Times 2016.

2017 Miss Showgirl Hannah Allan, Runner Up Hannah Vicary, Laura Maeyke, Lynette Vicary and Miss Personality Justine Jenkin at the Mundubbera Show.

Mundubbera Miss Showgirl for 2018 Sara Darrow.

2018 Miss Showgirl winner Sara Darrow, Junior master of the show Markuss Cowburn, Junior Miss Showgirl 7-12yrs Alyssa Cowburn and president Ashley Maeyke at the Mundubbera show.

Monto Show

Monto junior show princesses for 2012. Photo from left Eleena Dahtler (junior runner up); Kelsey McGregor (junior miss show girl); Emma Jamieson (junior miss personality) and Josephine Howell (junior shining star).

Rural Ambassador Hana Penney, Mayor Don Waugh and Miss Show Girl Donna baker at the 2013 Monto Show Photo George Smith / Central & North Burnett Times.

Monto Miss Showgirl Donna Baker represented the Burnett at the 2014 Ekka. Photo Contributed

Sophie Hughes receives the 2014 Miss Showgirl sash from Donna Baker of Monto, 2013 Queensland Miss Showgirl. Photo Contributed. Picture. Contributed

Former Monto Showgirl Donna Baker, far right, got the chance to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Photo Contributed

Miss Showgirl Taylor Laney was an excellent ambassador at the 2014 Monto Show. Photo: Emily Smith / Central and North Burnett Times.

Monto Miss Showgirl 2016 Taylah Steger and runner-up Tia Netz. Photo Anastassia Perets / Central and North Burnett Times.

Monto Showgirl Runner-up 2017 Ashleigh-Rose Rollings.

Kim Mundt, Monto and District Show Society president Paul Francis, Mia Francis, Gordon Ogle, Karen Hockey, Rural Ambassador runner up Brianna Hockey, Queensland Miss Showgirl Clare Webb, Barry Mundt, and Amanda Goody. 2019.

Mount Perry

Michael Clerke and Peter Treasure from Suncorp Agribusiness presenting Grand Champion male Whitaker Mr Avo and his owner Clint Whitaker with Mount Perry Showgirl Sarah Bear assisting at the presentation. Photo Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

Mount Perry Showgirl Tanya Sinden presented a ribbon to Birch Mermaid being led by Juanita Birch at the show. Photo Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

Mount Perry primary school teacher Kristin Carroll is the Burnett Sub Chamber Miss Showgirl 2016.

After years of being involved in the Mount Perry Show, Paige Wallace becomes the face of her town as 2019 Miss Show Girl.

Casey Cleary will become the 2023 Mount Perry Showgirl.

Gayndah Show

Peoples Day at the Ekka, Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl 2009 Amiee Davina of Gayndah.

Belinda Staib from Coalstoun Lakes was congratulated by 2012 Gayndah Miss Showgirl Amy Hampson when her mare Rainy Acres by Rambler KD Acres won the Supreme Champion Led Exhibit of 2012. Photo Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

2011 Gayndah Showgirl Brittney Gillis with Braham Stud Mundubbera owner Clint Whitaker and Whitaker Miss Ruby Red who won senior Champion female at the recent show. Photo Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

Ben Golchert with 2012 Miss Showgirl Amy Hampson. Photo Shirley Way / Central & North Burnett Times

From left, Tarin Churchwood, Emily Schiffke, Jasmine Camps, Emma Oppermann, Janet Murray, Stacey Blee. Photo Shirley Way / Central & North Burnett Times

Kyle Millington accepts his first place ribbon for street ute from Miss Showgirl Jessica George at the 2015 Gayndah Show. Photo Shirley Way / Central & North Burnett Times

2016 Gayndah showgirl Kirsty Walker in her first ever Miss Showgirl Sub Chamber competition.

Miss Showgirl Danyelle Young at the 2017 Gayndah Show.

Biggenden Show

Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2012 Jess Rollinson with Miss Personality Amanda Bargenquast, Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2013 runner up Sally Wheeler, Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2013 winner Krystal Wilson and Queensland 2012 Miss Showgirl, Jess Robinson at Saturday night's judging. Photo Contributed

Junior Rural Ambassador entrants Sophie Hall, Vanessa McIntyre with winner Lucy Kinbacher and Miss Queensland Showgirl 2014 Sophie Hughes. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Junior Ambassador entrant Sophie Hall, Vanessa McIntyre, Lucy Kinbacher accepts her bouquet from Queensland Miss Showgirl Sophie Hughes while Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2014 Taliah Faint With Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2015 Samantha Olsen, runner up Fiona Gethings and Miss Personalisty Cooper -Anne Fotheringham at Saturday's judging. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2014 Taliah Faint with Rural Ambassador Sheree Beddows were kept busy along with Miss Showgirl runner up Sam Ward selling raffle tickets and presenting trophies and sashes at the weekend Biggenden Show. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Queensland Miss Showgirl 2013 Donna Baker with winners of the Biggenden Show B Grade championship winners, Craig Wagner, Trent Johnson and Gary Skepper. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

MISS SHOWGIRL: Queensland Miss Showgirl 2014 Sophie Hughes, Biggenden Miss Showgirl winner Samantha Olsen, runner up Fiona Gethings, Miss Personality Cooper-Anne Fotheringham and Biggenden Miss Showgirl 2014 Taliah Faint. Photo Contributed

Runner up Elizabeth Pitt with winner Michelle Jannusch and Miss Showgirl 2015 runner up Fiona Gethering. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Biggenden Show Society's Rural Ambassador Jess Rollinson with Miss Showgirl 2016 Michelle Janusch, runner up Elizabeth Pitt were joined by Burnett SubChamber Miss Showgirl 2015 Bonnie Coolee at the weekend's annual show. Photo Erica Murree / Central & North Burnett Times

Miss Showgirl 2017 Vanessa McIntyre with co-ordinator Tamara Thode and Junior Rural Ambassador 2017 Emily Spry at the weekend show.

Rob Orphant of Seymour Droughtmasters with the supreme exhibit of the Biggenden Show, Seymour Sarah, judge Corey Evans and Miss Showgirl, 2018 Emily Bust.

Miss Showgirl Becky Vaughan and Mum Trina at Biggenden Show 2019.

Eidsvold Show

Eidsvold locals, Rural Ambassador finalist Aidan Bligh and 2011 Miss Showgirl finalist Emma-Kate McGeorge represented the sub chamber at the Ekka recently. PHOTO: Contributed

2011 Eidsvold Junior Miss Showgirl Helena Theuerkauf performed a number of duties at the Show. Photo Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

Naomi Bauer (Miss Showgirl runner-up), Lashica Pope (Junior Miss Showgirl runner-up) and Emma-Kate McGeorge (2011 Eidsvold Miss Showgirl) enjoy the show ball. Absent is Junior Miss Showgirl Helena Theuerkauf. Photo Sue Harris / Central & North Burnett Times

Jack Krause of Eidsvold Sleeper Mill was the most successful exhibitor of prime cattle at last year's Eidsvold show. His trophy was presented by 2012 Showgirl Alexis Hindmarsh. Photo Sue Harris / Central & North Burnett Times

Leanne Hartwig won the RSL Local Galloway Hack at last year's Eidsvold show and was presented with her ribbon by Eidsvold 2012 Miss Showgirl runner-up Joanna Pickering. Photo Sue Harris / Central & North Burnett Times

Reserve Champion Female of the Eidsvold Show with Tania Hartwig – Tanic Charolais Stud, 2013 Junior showgirl Karlea Hindmarsh, Champion Female with Shane Hatton – Diamond H Santa Stud, and 2013 Eidsvold Miss Showgirl Danielle Dodd. Photo Contributed

Eidsvold Girl 17-year-old Lashica Pope 2015 Miss Show Girl contestant Photo Noel Thompson / Central & North Burnett Times

2015 Eidsvold Miss Showgirl Sara Cullen gets among the action at her first ever show. Photo Tessa Mapstone / South Burnett Times

Ayeesha Tanna was the winner of the Eidsvold show "Hollywood, A night with the stars" on Saturday.

Junior Miss Showgirl Skye Pope, Dot Hamilton, Miss Showgirl Sara Cullen and Anthony Coates at the 2016 Eidsvold Show. Photo Tobi Loftus / Central & North Burnett Times

Rural Ambassador Catherine Morice, Miss Showgirl Ayeesha Tanna, Patron Mrs Dot Hamilton, Junior Miss Showgirl Jamie Blucher and Miss Showgirl Runner Up Antonia Penhall at the 2017 Eidsvold show.

2018 Rural Ambassador Sharaina Leha Mafua with Eidsvold Miss Showgirl Charli Hartwig at the Eidsvold show.

Originally published as From the archive: More than a decade of Burnett showgirls