WHILE we may not all have the features and figure to make the final cut of Australia’s Next Top Model, you can be sure it takes more than pretty looks to become a Hawkesbury Showgirl.

The search for the 2009 Hawkesbury Showgirl kicks off this week with the opening of entries for the annual competition.

Current showgirl Sarah Moore said she is ready to hand over the reins after a fantastic year, but she insists the recipient must be worthy of the crown before she lets it go.

“I’ve had such a great time as the 2008 showgirl, and I’m keen to see next year’s winner have just as much fun, but also be a positive, strong representative for our show and the Hawkesbury,” she said.

“I encourage all girls to give the competition a go, it’s lots of fun meeting new people and being involved in the show at a representative level.”

The showgirl competition is open to Hawkesbury residents aged 18 to 24 years, who have any form of interest in representing their community.

While agricultural experience is not necessary, the showgirl will be representing the Hawkesbury at a zone level agricultural showgirl competition which will see her compete with around 20 other girls to head into the final round of judging at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where the winner will be crowned The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl.

Showgirl entrants will be judged on an individual interview on Friday, September 26, followed by a dinner that night.

Each entrant will be judged on personality, confidence, ambition, general knowledge, rural knowledge, personal presentation, diction and speech.

The lucky young woman to be crowned Hawkesbury Showgirl at the Hawkesbury Show Ball, on Saturday, September 27, will receive a $1500 travel voucher, care of The Gazette, as the major prize.

Entries for the showgirl competition can be picked up from the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association’s office at Clarendon Showgrounds, or from The Gazette office, Windsor Street, Richmond.

Entries close on Friday, September 5.