NO SHOW PONY: 2012 Regal Motors Newcastle Showgirl Jamie-Lee Holloway sashes winners in a horse event.
JAMIE-LEE Holloway wants local ladies to know that the region's showgirl competition is much more than just a beauty pageant.
For Miss Holloway, winning showgirl gave her the confidence to truly get ahead in her career.
The 22-year-old from Macquarie Hills is studying primary school teaching at university.
Following her win last year, she has been able to help develop worksheets for primary school students on excursion at the annual Newcastle Regional Show, enabling them to learn about the various displays and exhibitions.
"There is a misconception that it [showgirl competition] is one big beauty pageant and that is 100 per cent not the case," she said.
"It has really helped me with my career and it is an amazing community experience."
Miss Holloway said she had also developed many other valuable life skills.
She attended a weekend in Dubbo where she took deportment classes.
"With everything being so modern now, it's great to step back and relearn all the traditions," she said.
Making new contacts, being an ambassador for Newcastle and meeting other contestants have also been highlights for the proud Novocastrian.
"Showgirl is a really good thing to put on your resume," she said.
"Even if you don't win, you are able to say you made the effort and put yourself out there in the community."
Entries to the 2013 Advanced School of Beauty Newcastle Showgirl competition close Friday, February 15 at 4.30pm.
Entrants must be aged between 18 and 25 and are judged on ambitions and goals; local, Australian and international knowledge; personal presentation; personality and confidence.
■ Go to newcastleshow. com.au for info and entry forms.
