17/08/2026
Looking back on an incredible week at the 2026 Queensland Country Life Showgirl State Finals 🌿✨
From 4 to 9 August, our State Finalists came together in Brisbane for six days that were about so much more than a competition.
There was learning, laughter, new friendships and plenty of moments that pushed these remarkable young women outside their comfort zones.
The week began with personal development, public speaking and vocal workshops with Patrice Douglas and Emma Irene, giving our finalists practical tools to communicate with confidence while staying true to themselves.
Day Two took them to Government House, where they received their official State Finalist sashes from Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland. A visit to Parliament House followed, before an afternoon with our major sponsor, Queensland Country Life, learning more about journalism, media and the value of telling rural stories well.
There were important conversations about agriculture and advocacy with AgForce, and a personal development session alongside our Rural Ambassadors with Wendy Agar, exploring leadership, teamwork and the confidence to adapt and grow.
Then came the Ekka. ❤️
Between interviews, our finalists headed ringside to meet cattle exhibitors, present ribbons and hear the stories of the people who make our agricultural shows what they are. On the Ekka's official opening day, there was time to explore, meet a few four-legged friends and soak up that unmistakable show atmosphere.
And at the end of a very special week, we celebrated our 2026 Queensland Country Life Showgirl State Final winners:
🏆 Winner: Hannah Johnson, Toogoolawah Show Society & West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber
🥈 Runner-up: Bridgette Langston, Goombungee Haden Show Society & Darling Downs Sub Chamber
💚 Showgirl Choice: Charleen Aisbett, Chinchilla Show Society & South West Sub Chamber
Congratulations to Hannah, Bridgette and Charleen, and to every State Finalist who represented her show and community with such warmth and pride.
What stood out across the week wasn't simply what these young women achieved. It was the connections they made, the confidence they built and the way they embraced every opportunity put in front of them.
That's what this program is really about. Developing young rural leaders, creating friendships across Queensland and giving young women a platform to share the stories of their communities and our agricultural show movement.
A heartfelt thank you to Queensland Country Life, our presenters, sponsors, partners, hosts and everyone who helped make the week possible.
And to our 2026 State Finalists, we hope you take the friendships, lessons and memories of this week with you wherever you go next. 🌿
What a week. And what a wonderful group of young women to represent Queensland's show movement.
