THIS cattle woman will swap her boots for high heels today to take part in the showgirl zone finals in Warren.
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Natasha Wannan, 24, was born into a farming family 100 kilometres west of Moree before their move to Orange 12 years ago.
She was crowned 2013 Orange Showgirl in April last year and since then has enjoyed being a voice for rural issues.
The fifth-year veterinary student said she had a deep love for the land and said being “hands-on” was the best part of becoming a veterinarian.
“I love the hands-on and working with farmers to be better producers,” she said.
“There’s a pretty big focus on animal husbandry in [Charles Sturt University] Wagga and that’s what I really want to do.”
Miss Wannan said years on the land working with her parents on their sheep and cattle properties had given her insight into the challenges faced by farmers across the state.
“The drought and the number of issues that go with that, and you’ve got your water and food security issues,” she said.
She said mining had positive and negative impacts for rural communities.
“Mining is an issue that’s affecting rural Australia, there’s so many pros and cons,” she said.
She said there was “a lot of negativity with coal seam gas” but its production would also bring many new jobs.
During the zone final Miss Wannan will take part in an interview, luncheon and on-stage interview during a dinner.
“I’m nervous and excited,” she said of the daunting interviews and judging.
Miss Wannan will be up against 23 women aged 18 to 24 years old.
From there three will be chosen to compete in the state finals held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from April 10 to 23.
The overall showgirl winner will act as an ambassador for rural NSW and will involve official and informal duties at the Sydney Royal Easter Show as well as during her travels interstate and overseas.
Last year’s overall showgirl winner was Kennedy Tourle from Dubbo.
nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au