Beaudesert Showgirl Poppy-Jane Todd said she is thrilled to be representing the region at this year’s 150thEkka.
Poppy-Jane was crowned 2026 south-east Sub Chamber Showgirl and in August will compete for the prestigious title of Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl.
“Becoming more involved in the agricultural show movement during my time as Beaudesert Showgirl has been both an honour and a privilege,” she said.
“To be chosen to compete at the Ekka is an even bigger honour, representing nine different show societies across the south-east region and I’m hoping to do them proud.”
Beaudesert Rural Ambassador Sally Rodwell claimed the title of 2026 south-east Sub-Chamber Rural Ambassador and will join Poppy-Jane for the Ekka finals.
Poppy-Jane said she hoped to inspire and encourage more young people to get involved in their local shows and understand more about rural and regional ways of life.
“I am keen as we continue to lead up to the 2026 show, to encourage more young people in the community to get involved,” she said.
“When you are wearing the sash, you are representing not just yourself but all the volunteers and people who have put so much into the show as well as the agriculture community as a whole.
“It encourages you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. There have been numerous opportunities when I’ve had to get up and speak in front of people with no notice.”
Beaudesert show ambassador coordinator Tim Andrews said Poppy-Jane and Sally’s selection to represent south-east Queensland at the Ekka is a proud moment for the Beaudesert Show Society and the Scenic Rim.
“These young women follow in the footsteps of other outstanding ambassadors who have gone on to state finals and our region has a strong track record of success, including state level placings and special awards, with Ella Bischoff named the 2024 state runner-up Showgirl,” he said.
Poppy-Jane will join ten fellow Sub-Chamber winners in a week-long program of interviews, public speaking and an official gala presentation.
It will also see Poppy-Jane follow in the footsteps of her boss, Queensland Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington who was herself a finalist for the south-west Sub-Chamber and is a supporter of the showgirl program.
“She was very excited for me,” Poppy-Jane said, who works as media advisor for Ms Frecklington.
