Jessica Bazika of Llandilo has been crowned the winner of the 2023 Penrith Show Young Woman Competition.
The local was amongst three young women nominated for this year’s competition. It heralded a successful return of the competition, for the first time since the 1990’s.
The announcement was recently made at a presentation dinner at Penrith Showground. This was after interviews and lunch for the entrants and judges at the historic Winbourne Function and Conference Centre in Mulgoa, earlier in the week.
“I was ecstatic when my name was announced as the 2023 Penrith Young Woman. It was an even more special moment for me, as it was the first Penrith Young Woman Competition formerly known as ‘Showgirl’ since the 1990’s” said Jessica to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
“The win was unexpected, as the two other women that competed were exceptional young ladies. But I am excited for fulfil my ambassadorial duties” she continued.
The young women entrants were interviewed by three judges, answering questions on local knowledge, rural knowledge, and the importance of the local show. Judges considered general conversation skills, personality, confidence, goals, personal presentation and volunteer or community involvement. An on stage interview at the presentation dinner gave the entrants the chance to show their public speaking skills.
“Jessica won the right to represent the Penrith Show and local community at the Regional Young Woman Competition to be held next February, and hopefully the opportunity from there to represent at The Sydney Royal Easter Show” said Cheryl Payne, Penrith Show Young Woman Competition Co-Ordinator.
She will attend numerous official and informal functions at the Showground, representing the Penrith Show Society as their Rural Ambassador. Jessica will attend personal development seminars run by AG Shows NSW, having the opportunity to develop a network with other agricultural minded young women.
“More importantly, Jessica will become part of the Penrith Show family, attending the Penrith Show, presenting prizes, connecting with school students, special guests and patrons” added Cheryl.
Jessica is looking forward to her duties ahead for the next year as the 2023 Penrith Show Young Woman.
“I am looking forward to showcasing women’s contributions to the agricultural industry at our Penrith Show this coming August. At the show, I’m excited to participate in the grand parade, the official opening and networking with people. I love that I can represent my local community, promote the agricultural industry and be a mentor for the up-and-coming Young Women” Jessica smiled.
Jessica encourages any local, young women wishing to take part in the competition next year.
“If you are a young woman passionate about the agricultural industry and your local community, keep an eye out for the 2024 Young Woman Competition. It is an amazing opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, make lifelong friends and get out of your comfort zone” she ended.