After a gap of several years the Mount Isa Show will have a showgirl this year, in fact it will have two.
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At a presentation evening on Thursday, the two showgirl contestants, Dilvi Nimashi Senanayake and Chloe Johnston could not be separated so they will both wear the coveted sash at next week's show.
Judges Daisy Cerizza and Robbie Katter (the latter could not make the presentation night) said both girls were credit to the show.
Dilvi Nimashi Senanayake, known as Nimashi, was born in Sri Lanka and then moved to Russia before coming to Australia in the last 12 months with her husband.
She gained her medical qualifications in Russia and is now working at the Mount Isa Medical Centre while continuing her studies at JCU's Mount Isa campus.
She recently cooked her national Sri Lankan cuisine for the successful Vesak fundraiser for the Special School.
Chloe Johnston is an electrician by trade who has lived in Mount Isa 15 years and also a gifted musician and a member of MICE Chamber Strings.
She also plays soccer, netball and hockey and is a member of the Isa Highland dancers.
Although Chloe and Nimashi only met each other for the first time last Monday, they already appear fast friends.
Both said they were delighted to be chosen as showgirl.
"It's about encouraging younger people to do the tiny tots and the junior showgirl and get involved in the community," Chloe said.
"And it's a great opportunity to meet people."
Nimashi wanted to extend that invitation to get involved to all women.
"I would encourage them to follow their dreams," Nimashi said.
"My husband supported me, he said if you are doing it, just go for it."
Both can't wait to get out on the showgrounds and be ambassadors for the show.
The showgirl competition was organised by Kim-Maree Burton, who also organised the showgirl competition the last time it was held in Mount Isa.
Ms Burton said it was an important tradition to restore in the lead-up to the 40th anniversary of the Show next year.
Judge Daisy Cerizza said they had a lot of laughter together when she met the two contestants.
"It took a lot of courage and determination and I'm confident they will inspire other women," Ms Cerizza said.
"They are amazing girls."
The Mount Isa Show is on June 18-19 at Buchanan Park.
Show president Anne Pittis encouraged the community to get involved and support their local show.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
