The Awards have made a significant contribution to the advancement of women in regional and rural areas ever since the first Queensland Showgirl was awarded in 1983.

Each week for four weeks we will be highlighting one of the 2018 Cloncurry and District Showgirl entrants in the Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl competition.

The four Showgirl entrants began raising money in March after an introduction to society was held at the Leichhardt Hotel in Cloncurry.

Organiser Dale Grobler said they held a cheese and wine introduction evening.

This week the spotlight is on Miss Samantha Wood.

Ms Wood has lived in Cloncurry for two years and teaches the year six students at Cloncurry State School.

She became a Showgirl entrant to give back to the community and to be able to travel as an ambassador for the Cloncurry show.

After completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Ms Wood continues her studies while teaching full time, and is currently studying her Masters of Educational Studies, with a major in ICT, and a minor in Engineering.

“The students think it's fantastic to have a teacher in the limelight, she’s like a celebrity,” Ms Gobler said. 

“But really, they look to her as a role model.”

Ms Wood enjoys road trips, exploring new and old places with friends, as well as cooking and reading.

She is heavily involved in community sports including basketball, netball, futsal and tennis.

Ms Wood is passionate about teaching in the outback and was previously a governess on cattle stations.

“I love meeting and talking with everyone in the community and representing Cloncurry in the best way I can,” Ms Wood said.

The Cloncurry Showgirl entrants will be at the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Saturday 26 May at the Leichhardt Hotel from 10-1pm.

“The girls will be selling raffle tickets to raise money for the Cloncurry Show.”