Feature - Shining at the Show

The 2024 winner of the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show (SCAS) Showgirl, Nataleen Colville Felsman, says the SCAS has been part of her life since she could walk.

By Rebecca Mugridge

Nataleen Colville Felsman grew up on her father’s property of four acres in Nambour and says while it didn’t have cows it had lots of fruit trees and a wonderful rural atmosphere like the one entwined with agricultural shows.

Nataleen attended Nambour primary and high school and spent a large amount of her time volunteering. Volunteering, she says, is something other young people should definitely try, “It is incredibly rewarding.”

For Nataleen the SCAS has been a joyful part of her life. “My first memories of the Show are of when it used to have the big circus-like tent on the back hill and they used to have elephants and everything.

“My dad and I, we used to go, and on the last day, at the very end, my dad would go up and chat to all the circus performers and ask for their elephant manure for his garden,” she laughs.

“I remember we would load up the trailer on his old ‘70s Mercedes with elephant dung to take back home.”

As Nataleen grew older she was involved in the Girl Guides, then also the Cadets and she volunteered for Show parking.

“I love volunteering and meeting the community at the Show,” Nataleen says with evident enthusiasm,

“It was really cool to see all the exhibits coming in and the different entries. It was so rewarding working with Show Manager Penny Walsh and the rest of the team.”

And as a happy coincidence, “Penny was actually one of my swimming teachers from high school! It was like coming back home in a way, and so many people involved are connected in various ways, a real family-driven community, which you can feel when you go in. They put in so much time and work, and they’ve already started planning for the 2025 Show!”

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Showgirl Awards are a launching pad for impressive women like Nataleen, a unique opportunity for women to experience leadership and networking while being involved in their local agricultural show.

Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Manager Penny says, “As an Agricultural Show Society, we encourage all our Showgirl and Rural Ambassador entrants, and patrons, to understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture, as we know it is the backbone of Australia - Primary Industry keeps Australia fed and clothed.

“Winners of local shows move on to the next level of competition, where the winner goes to Brisbane for a number of days with the finals at the Ekka. They have some amazing opportunities with personal development workshops, tea at the Governor's house, and a back-of-house tour of the Ekka.”

Paige Caldwell, from Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards, says it is a great opportunity that regional and rural young women may not otherwise have.

“We pride ourselves in offering a program that encourages involvement and growth, whether you come from a small town in western Queensland where your family has been on the show society for three generations, or whether you live in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and have never been to a show but want to connect with your community.

“The Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards commenced in 1982 and has been running for 42 years. The calibre of young women the Awards attracts is truly astounding, and a credit to the young women from regional communities.

“I would encourage any young females aged 18-28 to get involved. No matter your background, interests, career or past show involvement, Showgirl is for you.

“A wise woman once said - It's not a case of 'what can you do for your local Show, but what can a sash do for you!” she says with a smile.

Nataleen has volunteered with the Show as a Showgirl entrant (and won) and made lifelong connections, volunteered at the Gympie Muster, Woodford Folk Festival, with the SES and with something close to her heart,

“Something I am really passionate about is adventure therapy. Taking kids on adventures and showing them there is this whole wide world where they can engage in the environment and bring that stress level back down. I find nature very therapeutic.

“I remember my first time volunteering at Woodford, the greatest two weeks of my life at the time. Free camping, amazing music, wonderful people and experiences. In volunteering you meet so many different people who are there also because they want to be and that is a really special environment.”

For the passionate 27-year-old, one of her most important and dedicated roles is the loving one of being a carer to her dad.

“I look after my dad full time now; he is 83 and I’ve been his carer for the last six months. It’s been a really big change, but it has been really rewarding too. It has taught me a lot.”

Nataleen says if you have some spare time, consider volunteering, “Reach out, there are so many opportunities! Don’t be shy. You will meet so many people and have so much fun.”

Find out more at: qldagshows.com.au/queensland-country-life-showgirl-awards