A passion for country shows has seen 22-year-old Chloe Johnson accept the role as Childers Show Society president.
The bubbly 22-year-old Council administration support officer brings confidence and commitment to the position.
“I am a Gin Gin born girl but have lived and worked in Childers for about two years,” she said.
“I have been looking for quite a while to find a means by which I can contribute to the local community. I love the country lifestyle and I have met plenty of great people in and around Childers.”
Chloe said she went along to the Show Society’s AGM about a week ago knowing that the future of the show was at stake.
“I had heard that it was not looking that good for the future which would be a shame considering the Childers Show has such a long and respected history,” she said.
“Long-serving president Peter Warren did not seek re-election and my name was the only one put forward, so I did accept the role.
“I am conscious of the fact that Peter and presidents and committees before him have all worked extremely hard to keep the annual show alive.
“The AGM produced an executive and committee with Kayleen Vaughn as Vice President and Vanessa Perry and Tara Spotswood taking the roles of Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
“I have a bit of a relationship with the Gin Gin Show which, I agree, puts on a wonderful annual event. I am not afraid to seek some ideas from that show which have worked successfully over the years.”
Chloe said she's a supporter of the Miss Showgirl event, having been runner-up in Gin Gin last year.
“I will liaise with the Childers coordinators Cheyenne Slatts and Maddie Drake and see what future direction the Miss Showgirl competition may take locally,” she said.
“I will not be sweeping in and turning the organisation of the Show upside down.
“Rather, I know there are many people with remarkable knowledge of how the local show works and I will be calling upon that knowledge which, I am happy to say, has been freely offered.”
With just under four months until the Childers Show on 22 May, Chloe admits she has a task in front of her.
“We will have a meeting of the executive next week followed by a general meeting on 11 February 11 at a time and place yet to be advised,” she said.
“Anyone who is interested in supporting the Childers Show is welcome to attend the general meeting.
“People don’t have to become committee members. We would welcome people who may just like to be ‘friends' of the Childers Show”.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was commendable that Chloe had risen to the challenge of leading the show team.
“She's an enthusiastic and valued member of Council’s staff and I am certain she brings those qualities to her role as president,” he said.
“There does seem to be a move towards more youthful participation in leadership roles across the agricultural show landscape and I am sure the community will get behind Chloe and support the passion she is demonstrating.”
At 22 years of age Chloe is a young lady with a busy schedule ahead of her.
In addition to her work at the Childers Neighbourhood Centre, Chloe runs a small business designing and making clutches.
She paints individual designs on canvas and then develops them as a much sought-after fashion accessory.
“It’s a bit of a fun thing to do. People often ask me to design something to suit a particular dress. I like the creative challenge,” she said.
Anyone who would like additional information on the Show or how they can assist is welcome to contact Chloe on 0437 621 097.
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