IT’S OFFICIAL, WE’RE ENTRANTS!
My name is Haylee Burkinshaw and I wasn’t entirely sure what becoming a Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Entrant involved but after just one discussion with my sponsor, Sue from Bedrock Landscape Supplies, I was filling out applications to apply.
Throughout March and April, the Quest committee organised a series of personal and professional development classes to prepare us for what’s to come.
The introduction Ali Tanner, media (radio/ newspaper/ tv) Lindsay Tanner/ Alan Lean, social media Casey Wilson, event management Sally Manning, self care (mind/ body) Hayley Wallace/ Helen Fisher, beauty therapy Saan Burey/ Emma Curran, personal presentation Alex and Brenda, speech writing/ public speaking Colin Davis/ Charmaine Langley and dining etiquette Jamie Shepley.
We can not thank these wonderful people enough for giving us their time, knowledge and experience - We definitely absorbed everything we were given!
At the beginning of the year I sat with Sue and we talked about what I wanted to do in the new year. I explained how I was in need of guidance, time management/ organisational skills and self care tips and as you can read above, we have been shown there is an endless supply of help and support everywhere I turn.
Not only have I found mentors, I have found myself surrounded by strong women that I now call family.
For the launch event all entrants had to write a five minute speech on “What Wagga Wagga means to me” and due to the luck of the draw card, I was chosen to go first. I’m not sure what I was more nervous about, being first up to speak or deciding what to wear. Choosing outfits has never been my strong suit so Sue again shows me help is always at hand and she started a wardrobe committee for me - I’m not going to lie, it was quite fun feeling like I was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
After having the stress of finding out my partner tested positive for COVID-19 only three days before the Launch Evening, I was hoping for a smooth run after that and thankfully, I did. Waking up and rehearsing my speech over and over, heading to get my hair done by Shanarah at Hair by Jax, practising my speech again and then getting my makeup done by Saan at BARE I was as ready as I’ll ever be!
I arrived at the RSL Club an hour early with the other ladies, all shaking in our boots - heels, in this case. Our guests arrived all as stunning and handsome as the next, we all sat down and then the moment came and my stomach dropped, its speech time! I was shaking like a leaf in a storm but thankful words came out and I did it, we all did it and I could not be prouder.
- Haylee Burkinshaw
Miss Wagga Wagga Quest 2023 Entrant
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