After more than 80 years of celebrating agriculture in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a new generation of youth have emerged to renew history in the Maleny Show Personality competition for 2021.
On Saturday, May 15, contestants and their families and friends gathered at The Orangery Maleny to hear winners announced over high tea. Despite the event’s competitive nature, the restaurant warmed up with conversation as guests forged new friendships and rekindled old ones.
Thirteen young women competed in different age categories for the titles of Maleny Show Personality and Rural Ambassador. However, declining numbers have seen the event departing from its traditional format and concluding show ball. Competitors took part in one-on-one interviews with judges rather than speaking on stage and later enjoyed the more relaxed celebrations – no dancing required.
Stacey Bentley, 26, hosted the awards ceremony after winning and judging competitions in previous years. Her family has been involved in the Maleny Show for three generations, so she knows the importance of appreciating local historical crafts.
“As our population grows and we become more dense towards a city environment, this traditional agricultural show really keeps the history alive for the region,” she says.
Stacey believes the personality competition has reached a turning point. Impacts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have “made us challenge our thinking, and this is the first of its kind in terms of an afternoon environment,” she says. “It’s a really good opportunity to still come together and recognise the girls.”
This year, 16-year-old Raylene McSweeney won the Junior Showgirl Personality for her commitment to local agriculture and experience in volunteering for previous shows.
“It’s a very good feeling and I’m proud of myself,” she says. “When the interview came, it was just a bit of pressure. I felt like I had to be more … outgoing to meet the standards that it seemed like other girls were meeting.”
Raylene hopes to run for Rural Ambassador in later competitions. She also believes her participation will help build her reputation for a future career in the beauty industry.
For girls like Raylene, the Maleny Show Personality creates opportunities to develop confidence and skills in public speaking and presentation. Winners can go on to represent their local area in regional and state agricultural shows.
“A lot is said about the bad things about youth, but I think it’s because people like these girls don’t get the light shone on them,” says Jennifer Nichols, one of the competition judges.
“Such beautiful, intelligent, vibrant young people who have a lot to offer their community, [are] getting involved in a thing like the show to keep traditions alive and shine a light on the importance of agriculture, arts and crafts in Maleny.”
The Maleny Show is returning to Maleny Showgrounds from May 28 – 29, Friday to Saturday.
