Introducing the 2017 Bungendore Showgirl – Hanna Darmody
The Bungendore PA &H Society is pleased to announce the showgirl for 2017 is Hanna Darmody of Bungendore.
Here is what Hanna shared with us at the recent Showgirl judging evening, proudly sponsored by the Carrington Inn.
“Growing up in Bungendore and having a strong grasp of the community from both business and voluntary aspects has enabled me to see the importance and significance of the agricultural show throughout the years.
Being the daughter of Paul and Sue Darmody, owners of Bungendore Country Butchery and “Wynella” Pastoral Holdings has allowed me to grow up believing and adhering to family and community values. My Dad Paul is Chairman of the Bungendore Showground Trust, Patron of the Bungendore Show and a previous Secretary and President of the Show Society as well as many other areas of community involvement so it is only fitting the passion was handed down through the generations. With my mum Sue taking the position of caterer at the Show for 14 years, my eagerness proved early as I stood on chairs serving patrons of the show.
While my parents involvement has subsided I find it my duty and passion to take a personal interest in the upkeep and continuation of the Bungendore Agricultural Show for the next generation. Taking part in the Showgirl competition is my way of doing so. The Showgirl competition to me, is a way of showcasing the younger generation in agriculture, the opportunities and most importantly giving encouragement to other young people to be involved – these were the things that drew me to this ambassador role.
Without agricultural shows there is no window to our districts, there is no showcase of community strength and skill and there is no bridge of country and city divide. To me, this is something every agricultural community should strive for and therefore is my reason for being part of the Bungendore Show.
Not only does my passion lie with the Bungendore Show, I am currently a Director of the Bungendore and Braidwood Community Bendigo Bank Board, the co-founder of the Bungendore Bachelor and Spinsters ball (2013 Bungendore’s Event of the Year), committee member of the Agricultural Show Council Next Generation Group and volunteer for the Bungendore Rodeo and Country Muster.
I feel my community is every bit a second family and my involvement in various activities and groups is how I give back, support and ensure it is there for the next generation. My community recognised this and I was honored to receive the 2013 Bungendore Young Citizen of the Year.
Aside of my community achievements I have also been successful in study as I followed my passion of undertaking marketing courses to assist in my family’s business. I was awarded the Canberra Institue o Technology medal of academic excellence in 2014 and I went on to take the prestigious title of 2015 ACT Vocational Student of the Year.”
Hanna receiving her award
Hanna with her parents Sue & Paul Darmody