IT'S only been a few months since this year's Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo wrapped up, but four eager local ladies already have their sights set on 2014.
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Tegan Kastermans, Alex Burgaretta, Hayley Drake and Dannielle Horwood are all in the running for next year's Queen Quest, and caught up with The North West Star at their first official meeting on Monday night.
Queen Quest co-ordinator Louise Brogden said this week was the first chance the girls had to meet each other, talk about expectations and learn the ins and outs of being an entrant.
This year's Queen, Lucy Williams, was also on hand to offer advice and get in touch in case the girls need any help throughout their journey.
Mrs Brogden said the quest had been off to a staggered start this year, but the girls were keen to start raising funds and planning events in the Mount Isa community.
TEGAN KASTERMANS, Royal Flying Doctor Service employee
Charity:
Royal Flying Doctor Service
How long have you lived in Mount Isa?
I've been here about a year now, my husband and I moved here for work.
Why did you choose the RFDS as your charity?
I work for them, so I see first-hand what it is they do on a day-to-day basis and thought it was important to support them.
What are you hoping to get out of the Queen Quest?
It's a good opportunity to raise awareness of the service and to gain valuable experience personally as well.
I'm really looking forward to being able to engage with the community and support such a great service.
ALEX BURGARETTA, accountant
Charity:
Paws, Hoofs and Claws
How long have you lived in Mount Isa?
I've been here almost two years now, my husband was out here first and I followed a little while later.
Why did you choose to raise funds for Paws, Hoofs and Claws?
I'm an animal lover in general, but I also adopted a kitten through them not long ago.
What are you hoping to get out of the Queen Quest?
Paws, Hoofs and Claws have never had a Queen Quest entrant before so it's good to be their first one.
They also don't get any government funding, it's all donations and that kind of thing, so being able to raise some money for them will hopefully help out.
HAYLEY DRAKE, administration
Charity: RACQ NQ Rescue Helicopter
How long have you lived in Mount Isa?
I was born here and lived here until I was 17, but I moved back about nine months ago.
Why did you choose the rescue chopper as your charity?
I've lived in remote Queensland all my life so I've seen the great work these kinds of services do and I know the impact they can have.
What do you hope to get out of your journey?
When I left Mount Isa I was 17 and still a kid and I think at that age you don't really have an understanding of what the city's like and what's involved with the community.
I'm hoping (the Queen Quest) is a chance for me to get back into the community and get involved again as an adult.
DANNIELLE HORWOOD, store manager
Charity:
Mount Isa Neighbourhood Watch
How long have you lived in Mount Isa?
I've been here my whole life.
Why did you choose Neighbourhood Watch to raise money for?
I have a personal relationship with Neighbourhood Watch and have myself been a victim of crime before.
It's a horrible feeling waking up and realising you've been broken into and knowing that it could have been prevented.
Why did you join the Queen Quest?
I've always been interested in joining but Neighbourhood Watch is fairly new to Mount Isa and I finally have an organisation that I'm passionate about raising awareness of, so thought I'd go for it.
