Judging took place at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.

Emma took out the top spot from second placegetter Hayley James, and in equal third were Jess Crocker and Ayla Smith.

Kim Hinde organised the showgirl event and judging after a 14 year hiatus.

“I want to thank the girls for entering. In past years the showgirl tradition died out because no one would enter. To have four entrants first up is terrific. It’s not about win, lose or draw it’s about participating,” Ms Hinde said.

Judges Helen Slater - a former Miss Bega, Cr Tony Allen and Loretta Illy from Hair Rock Scissors in Pambula, were all pleased with the standard of entrants and said their job was hard, but they were unanimous in their decision.

The new Pambula Showgirl, Emma is 18 years of age (“I turn 19 in March!”) and is on her gap year after completing year 12 studies at Lumen Christi Catholic College.

“I’m working at Peter Tierney (lawyers) and going to the University of Melbourne next year,” Ms Hassan said.

Emma will study International Relations and a language, and may work in foreign affairs at some point in her career but also says she loves education.

The county showgirl is not a beauty competition but about regional communities and how much the girls love, support, know about and can promote their own community.

Emma’s community work includes visiting Imlay House residents and working at the Pambula Pony Club.

Now she is working with Pambula Show secretary Gail Cummins to hopefully obtain a grant to fix up the toilets at the Pambula Showground.

The showgirl tradition and competition is a fascinating story.

Get next week’s Magnet to read more about it in the Big Read, our Boxing Day edition.