A busy birthday month for my family, my Aunt, Brother and myself all celebrate in August. I am a birthday tragic and love to spoil and be spoilt. Happy Birthday to all those August babies who share our birthday month.

Our team returned to playing netball this month, how exciting to be active and together again with team mates. I coach an under 12 netball team, so it was fabulous to be able to get these girls back together training and playing again.

Lots of work trips kept me on the go this month, but I did find the time to enjoy the beauty of the full moon, there is so much beauty and peace in nature, if we stop and look.

I hope you love this photo as much as I do.

Until next time.
Brittany Hackett
Community Princess 2020 

I found time to catch up on some crafting this month. Something to keep busy and productive is always welcome at this time of year, as we wait for the weather to warm up a bit and we can start to spend more time outdoors.

I also participated in the Thirsty Crow Hot Wings Challenge this month. This business is to be commended for their proactive approach to managing COVID restrictions. They have been live streaming a very individual bingo game each Tuesday, with players joining in from all over Australia. I know many people have looked forward to each week and enjoyed participating in the fun.

Another interesting activity for me this month was 4WD training offered by my employer. I am really enjoying learning and experiencing all that is required of me at work.

We rounded out the month sending Happy Birthday wishes to our Community Princess Britt.
​
All My Love
Hannah Smith
Miss Wagga Wagga 2020

Here we are halfway through 2020!

Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital Maternity Ward had a project I could not refuse. They are the recipients of a Community Princess Grant to buy mini fridges for patients’ rooms, to store breastmilk and snacks. What a perfect idea.

Another Community Princess Grant was awarded this month. What wonderful work is done by this very worthy beneficiary. Country Hope will use this grant to provide support to families with children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Knitting kept me warm and busy this month, it is so good to be able to create with your hands, especially when we are restricted and it has been so cold.

I took my first ever solo car trip this month. Driving from Wagga to Goulburn, Port Macquarie and finally Gladstone, catching up with friends and family on the way. I loved riding the camel on the beach, what a perfect way to spend a few peaceful hours.

A very full month of family, work and Community Princess grants.

Until next time, keep well.
Brittany Hackett
​Community Princess 2020 

A good news story to start my July blog. I was able to donate blood this month, a simple thing that can do so much. I took a look at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website and found these statistics. I am happy to roll up my sleeve, and if you are thinking about making a donation, please do so, it is quick and easy, and so valuable.
·       One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime
·       One in 30 Australians give blood each year (3%)
·       One blood donation can save up to three lives
·       Australia needs more than 31,000 donations every week

I was honoured to be invited to a Citizenship Ceremony in July.
As I wrote in my Feel Good Friday post, Today is the day that I have been looking forward to for months! This afternoon, I am lucky enough to be attending not one but TWO Citizenship Ceremonies  It is such an honour to be able to represent Wagga Wagga and welcome so many new people into our wonderful community. I will not be able to wipe this smile off my face all day!

My Fiancé and I took some time away and headed to the snow during July. We have committed to spend locally and were happy to be able to give something back to the communities ravaged by fires earlier this year, while having a fun and relaxing break.

My housemates and I really felt the full brunt of COVID19 restrictions this month, with one of us having a test for the virus after not feeling too well. The resulted in a complete lockdown of the household while we waited for results to come in, fortunately all was ok, however it was certainly a wake-up call. We all need to remember, if in doubt head in for a test, then fully isolate the household until given the all clear.

I hope you are all keeping well.
​
All My Love
Hannah Smith
Miss Wagga Wagga 2020

Here we are in June already!

Restrictions have been lifted and while I am still working from home, I did get out for a small Feel Good Friday treat this month. I never believed I could be so excited to have my nails done.

I had the very great honour of being invited to join the Wagga Wagga Australia Day Committee this year. Our first meeting was held this month, and I am looking forward to participating and helping to organise our Australia Day celebrations.

Whilst there is not a great deal to share about my activities as Miss Wagga Wagga for this month, I did move house, a change of scenery was welcome even if it did come with all the effort and stress of clearing out the old place and setting up the new, and I am loving our fireplace on these chilly days. I hope you are keeping warm and comfortable, and making the most of the sunny days and slightly eased restrictions.

Until next month, keep warm

All My Love
Hannah Smith
Miss Wagga Wagga 2020

Welcome to the first month of winter.

I have been looking forward to handing over the first of my Community Princess Grants. I chose Ronald McDonald House as my first beneficiary, and was so happy to be able to visit in person, meet Lisa Simpson the Executive Officer, and hand the cheque to her.

Later this month I found myself driving through the snow to the coast for work. It was so beautiful to see the snow, ice and mountains, I had to stop and take some pics.

My beautiful puppy Layla left me this month. Anyone with a pet will understand the devastation of saying goodbye. Thank you to all of my friends and family who reached out and offered love and support during this very sad time.

I hope you are all feeling the warmth from your families at this time and keeping warm during this cold weather.

Keep smiling
Brittany Hackett
​Community Princess 2020 

I am thinking none of us expected this year to be the one it has, May already and we are still working from home, continuing to maintain a social distance and hoping to clear this virus which has become a household name. The 2020 Quest was launched in May last year, and I am looking forward to the launch of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest 2022, next year.

Some highlights from this month…

I spoke with Marguerite McKinnon on her Friday Morning radio show with 2AAA. What a wonderful Community radio station this is. Marguerite and Alan Lean from 2AAA delivered media training to all Quest Entrants last year, and I am so thankful for their knowledge and guidance; it has certainly helped with my nerves when facing the microphone.

In May we congratulated a local family business on 40 years of service to our community. Dossers Quality Bakery, a longtime supporter of the Quest.

National Volunteer Week was held in May, so much is made possible for so many by the tireless hours given to our community by our valuable volunteers. It is always such a good thing to take the time to thank those who give of themselves for others.

Britt, our Community Princess 2020 and I began our Feel-Good Friday posts on the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Facebook page in May. Just a simple thing we can do to promote positivity at this most unusual time, and share some of the things we have been doing to help ourselves to feel good. Speaking of Facebook, we were thrilled to see the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Facebook page had hit 1700 likes, this month.

Making the most of May...

All My Love, 
Hannah Smith
Miss Wagga Wagga 2020

It has been quite the year since the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest launch, 12 months ago.

So much has happened, I have gained and lost so much in this time.

It is so exciting for me that Community Princess Grant applications open this month. I am so looking forward to receiving and reading applications from the community for grants toward small projects from the Community Princess Fund 2020.

It was my honour to post on the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Facebook page on National Sorry Day, standing together toward reconciliation.

I took a short work trip to Eden on the NSW coast. It was so good to be out and about again, different scenery and that fresh sea air, really cleared my head after such a long time staying home.

With COVID 19 restrictions easing up slightly toward the end of this month. I had the opportunity to visit with my beautiful mum. It was so good to see her after all that has happened this month.

I hope you are doing what you can for yourself and those around you.

Remember to look after yourself Wagga Wagga, hope to see you all, around our beautiful town soon.

Brittany Hackett 
Community Princess 2020

Hello, 

Community Princess, Brittany Hackett here!

Due to COVID-19, we have had a very quiet month with not much to report. Myself and Hannah did however, join Adam Drummond on Wagga TV for a brief conversation surrounding the unfortunate decision to postpone this year's Quest, as well as our Sister City visit and upcoming events. If you have not tuned in, you can find the interview on the Wagga TV Facebook page.

I truly hope you are all looking after yourselves in these difficult times. Mental health is a very important topic for me and I understand at times, the current global health crisis and Government restrictions can play on your emotional wellbeing and mindfulness. My tip is - where you can, practice self-care and continue to check in with your family and friends via video links and telephone. Remain positive and I hope to see you all soon, out and about within our beautiful City of Wagga Wagga.

All the best, 
Brittany Hackett 
Community Princess 2020 

​We are already a third of the way through, oh how time flies!
 
Welcome to our first title holders blog! After the crowning ceremony on the 2nd of November Brittany and I were overwhelmed by the interviews, congratulatory wishes, photos and celebrations. After such an amazing and tiring entrant year we couldn't believe what had just happened. I don't think anyone could have prepared us for the 48 hours after being crowned. By 10pm on Crowning night I was already speaking on 2AAA with Alan Lean about the night we had just had. The next morning both Brittany and I had phone interviews with The Daily Advertiser and capped off our media run on the Monday at Southern Cross Austereo; with Poppy and Leigh on Triple M and Herbie and Dane on Hit 93.1.
 
My first engagement as Miss Wagga Wagga 2020 was a Citizenship Ceremony that welcomed around 20 new citizens into our country. This was an event that I will never forget. The happiness and joy on every new citizen as they finished their pledge was amazing! I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, the feeling is definitely contagious!
 
Later in November, Brittany and I had the opportunity to attend our first event together as Miss Wagga Wagga and Community Princess 2020 at the Leisure Company’s All Ability Dance. We got to meet so many new people and share some amazing memories. It was a night of handing out lucky door prizes, taking lots of photos and dancing the night away. The sense of community was absolutely astounding that night with so many happy faces all around.
 
Our last activity before Christmas and New Year was running the Royal Blood Drive, whilst many people give generously throughout the year, during the holiday period people can sometimes forget our hospital system continues to need donations. Blood products have a short shelf life, so it is vital that we continue to extend our support during this period. We are so proud of the donors we had, and are very grateful for their help in saving lives.
 
After the holiday season - and taking a quick break ourselves - we settled more into our roles and began looking forward to how we would spend the year as representatives of this great community. I had the pleasure of having a meeting with Mayor Greg Conkey OAM about Wagga Wagga’s year ahead. We discussed all the upcoming major events and how Brittany and I can be involved. I had started to regularly attend Wagga Wagga’s monthly citizenship ceremonies and had the very great honour of attending the Australia Day Mayoral Reception before later presenting a speech about ‘What Being Australian Means To Me’ at the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards Evening. Congratulations to all the award recipients; Lynne Graham - Citizen of the Year, John Mason - Walk of Honour, Megan Graham - Young Citizen of the Year, Geoffrey Jacobson - Ted Ryder Sports, and Ben Holt - Environmental Citizen of the Year and all the award nominees on the night, you are all a credit to our incredible community.
 
I am sure many people will remember last year's titleholders had the honour of travelling to our sister city Nördlingen in Germany. I had the very great pleasure of meeting two of their very own citizens in Wagga Wagga, Hannah and Lilly. The girls were fun and friendly and recounted their time in Australia so far and their plans to travel through the rest of this great country.
 
Our most recent engagement has been at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Market Day during Orientation Week, where we spoke with a number of new students about the Quest and hoped to encourage as many young women as possible to enter in the same journey we took last year.
 
On that note, the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest 2021 will launch soon. We are holding an information session at 6:30pm, on March 17 at the Wagga Wagga Commercial Club, in Gurwood Street. The Committee, former Titleholders, previous entrants and I will be there with a short presentation, to answer questions and chat about all things Miss Wagga Wagga. Please feel free to come along if you or someone you know might be interested. We definitely encourage anyone with any questions or interest in becoming an entrant to join us.
 
That’s all from me for now, we look forward to sharing many more great stories and memories of the year to come.
 
All my Love
Hannah Smith
Miss Wagga Wagga 2020

A Royal Chapters End

October has been one of our quieter months. I’ve had to put aside considerable time to evaluate career paths, future dreams, and priorities as well as reflect on the very many lessons and valuable opportunities I’ve been granted.

Early in the month I had the pleasure of making an address at the CWA (Country Women’s Association) Annual Conference. Moments before I stood up to speak, the Mayor, Greg Conkey, shared a few words of encouragement and valuable insight into the work of CWA. Mr Mayor became most unhelpful when he began to share words of encouragement towards me, bringing me nearly to tears right before my address! Just one of the many examples of what a great man he is to uplift those around him.

Presslea and I were fortunate to meet once more with our Titleholder Coordinator, Sarah Navin aka ‘Queen Bee’, and she gave us some much-needed support and advice as the chapter draws to a close and new adventures lie before us. We attended the 50th Annual Convention of the Lions Club with members far and wide travelling to our beloved city. This was followed by my final Citizenship Ceremony at the Wollundry Lagoon where 40 people became Citizens of Australia followed by Fusion Festivities. These ceremonies have been some of my favourites, and to be at the very last one was quite emotional. We attended our last meeting presentation at Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee late this month with both of us holding back tears as we shared our experiences of Nördlingen, the Quest and working with each other. Someone pass us some tissues at crowning, we’re going to need them!

In September I ran a Public Speaking Workshop for Wagga Wagga Public School. This month I was asked to return to my former primary school, the very place that taught me the national anthem when I first arrived to Australia, to judge their Public Speaking Competition. I felt like I had come a full circle in the 18 years I’ve embraced living in Australia. I could not have dreamed of a more fitting way to end my Miss Wagga Wagga Quest engagements.

Presslea and I have spent the last few moments soaking up the memories with a relaxing pedicure at Circa 1929, followed by drinks and dinner at the Roundabout Restaurant with the entrants of 2020. 

Blessed. That’s the only word adequate enough to express what these last 11 months in the reign have been like. It has been my honour and a privilege to represent the City of Wagga Wagga as young female ambassador for just short of a year.

Thank you to YOU, the people of Wagga Wagga who embraced us as titleholders from the moment we were crowned and welcomed us into a platform and a space so much bigger than us. To everyone who gave us a chance, from the numerous service meetings, Rotary, Probus, Inner Wheel etc. to school engagements, from Mayoral Receptions to city functions. Thank you for believing in us!

To the Mayor and Mayoress, Greg and Jenny, you know exactly what we think of you, and how we feel about you both, but allow us to publicly note that we have such high regard for you as individuals, as a pair, and Greg, in your office as Mayor. At every turn, you both placed your efforts in getting to know us, and to give us as many opportunities to grow as possible. You have left a very familial mark in our hearts and have taught us so much! I cannot thank you enough.

To all the community organisations, the Quest, Quest supporters and sponsors of last year and this, especially Triple M and Hit Fm breakfast radio hosts who supported and encouraged us behind the scenes. To our respective employers and all the Junior Miss Wagga Wagga Program sponsors and supporters especially Epica Jewellers and North Wagga Public School, as well as the parents who placed their trust in me. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.

To my employers, especially my colleagues at Relationships Australia Canberra & Region who made this Quest journey a reality; my family (my biological family in Norway, and my chosen family in Australia) who have listened to me every day for the last 11 months talk about the role, and my friends who have been cheering me at literally EVERY TURN. I cannot thank you enough for holding me up.

Finally, to my Princess, Presslea Cowan. It was almost destined. From the moment I met her at our first Professional Development there was just something about Pres. As the entrant year rolled, and we worked together on our events, her consistency, fight and heart became so clear. As Pres made her crowning acceptance speech with a promise ‘to put the community before myself’ I knew, Wagga had found the perfect titleholder and ambassador. During the titleholder year I have seen her weather storms and fight tough battles, I have seen her eyes light up with overwhelming excitement and joy, and I’ve seen her well up with tears of pride. Through it all, one thing was abundantly clear, she may be a strong physical training instructor, and an honourable soldier, but she is first and foremost a formidable woman, and that has been so inspiring!

Princess Pres, I will never forget that moment I realised you looked on me like a sister, because it was in that moment that I realised that’s exactly what we had become. There I found the reason as to why I felt the pride that I did when your name was called as titleholder; why my heart has ached in your sorrows, and been elated in your joys; why I was honoured to stand by you on Anzac Day, and why I’m blessed to have journeyed this royal year with you.
Who knew I would gain family by joining the Quest?
A blessed ending to a royal chapter.
 
Yours truly, 
Miss Wagga Wagga 2019, Stina Constantine

Superb September

September meant packed bags and jumping on a few planes to Germany, arriving into Munich in the late afternoon in time to unwind and catch up for a meal and drinks with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wagga. We sat and soaked up the live musical entertainment near Karlsplatz while enjoying bratwurst.

The following morning, I took a stroll through the city on foot soaking up the history and architecture of Munich, spending a little time in Marienplatz before heading back to the hotel to meet up with Community Princess and the remainder of the Wagga Delegation. David Wittner came to meet up and take us 2 hours away to our Sister City Nördlingen. The drive was perfect for Presslea and I to finally catch up on her incredible holiday through Europe prior to the Sister City visit.

A couple of short hours of settling into our hotels began what would be a full but SUPER itinerary of fun for the next few days. The Oberbürgermeister Hermann Faul invited us and the delegates from Markham to dinner giving us a chance to meet, mingle and be introduced to Real Nördlingen Hospitality. 

The following day we were taken to a nearby castle, Castle Baldern and treated to a guided tour with a fabulous tour guide, including visiting the newly opened gardens for the Princess. The Castle history, and décor was incredible, but were mainly off limits to photography. One of the Markham delegates also tested out the acoustics of the ballroom with a bit of Waltzing Matilda on a mouth organ. We took a long stroll through the gardens followed by a light lunch before heading back to the City where the Markham town crier was able to call the ‘So G’sell So’ (All is well) from the top of the bell tower, as has been done between the hours of 10pm and midnight every night since the days of war. By the time we had returned to Nördlingen, the town had completely transformed and transported us right back to historical days of old. Every corner suddenly was unfamiliar, but with such depth and attention to detail.

The official Stadtmauerfest began with Ecumenical Evening Prayer, followed by the first parade of the ceremony. Simone was kind enough to stay with us and explain what was going on around us. The famous Nördlingen stork visited the nest at the top of the building that afternoon also. Simone explained that it is a sign of good fortune for the stork to visit, but that young women shouldn’t look directly at it as it might just bring a baby their way. We all had a chuckle. Walking around the streets afternoon was a bit surreal with nearly every person saying ‘that’s Miss Wagga Wagga’ and for those that mistook us for Miss Germany, Community Princess was quick to correct them.

Saturday morning I took a stroll through the city, and walked the city wall. The bell tower, the loving ‘Daniel’ really stands majestically in the middle of the city. From the wall I could see hidden pockets of the city I just couldn’t seem to find in the evening. Then the Oberbürgermeister invited all Sister City delegates to a formal welcome, where each was able to speak to their unique relationship with Nördlingen, followed by exchange of gifts. It was quite a beautiful welcome and in the words of the Markham Town Crier ‘peace doesn’t begin with politicians, it begins with people, and it’s what we’re doing here.’ He was spot on, that one-to-one relationship with people is at the heart of national and international peace. We were treated to lunch at Karl-Schlierf-platz followed by Presslea and I choosing to climb over 300 steps to get to the top of the Daniel tower. Then we went and watched the next parade before we roamed the historical streets of Nördlingen for the remainder of the festival with good food, entertainment and of course beer. There were so many laughs and so many new memories made. 

Sunday began with mass at Sank Salvator with a local priest Father Benjamin Beck, the Oberbürgermeister and his wife, and a completely packed church, with songs accompanied by a local band. The singing of a full church was entirely uplifting. I then raced back to the hotel, taking a wrong turn on the way, quickly popped on my sash and crown, and was escorted up the staircase by a lovely gentleman to the formal reception hosted by the Oberbürgermeister. Presslea and I took some time to walk through the room and meet with some new people including city delegates from Stollberg (Germany), Riom (France), Olomouc (Czech Republic), city counsellors, and ministers of parliament, before heading off to the Festival Parade where we were able to participate to represent Australia with the entire city and neighbouring cities turning out, and special guests including the Prime Minister of Bavaria, Markus Söder. We took some time walking around before meeting up to witness the closing ceremony of the Stadtmauerfest. By morning, the city returned to it’s modern state, and again I was left feeling like it was unfamiliar once more.

To the Wagga travel delegates, Mayor Greg Conkey and Mayoress Jenny Conkey, Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout and his wife Jeanine Tout, the Tanner Family and Community Princess (and unofficial Bobby), thanks for such an incredible time, you were all such great company to travel with. I’ll be returning with a lot of new memories.

The entire Stadtmauerfest, and my time in Nördlingen really made me realise just why we're sister cities. The people of Nördlingen are so optimistic, and have such admirable commitment and dedication to their foundations, their history and their culture. To someone who comes from a historically young western culture in Australia, this was so eye opening. Outside of the formal duties and functions were all the conversations we had with the various people we met from entertainers, to council members, to stall holders to people who were born, raised and returned to live in Nördlingen. At the heart of us, we’re the same. the People of Wagga and Nördlingen are generous, kind, and entirely welcoming.

As most of the other delegates left Nördlingen at 5am, I had a much needed sleep in until 8 and left for Frankfurt meeting up with a friend, prior to heading to Norway for 2 weeks to spend time with my family, and meet my 10-and-a-half-month old Nephew. I spent my 2 weeks just slowing down, resting, and having quality time, but I also took the opportunity to reflect and make decision about where I want to head personally, career wise, and spiritually as I head back to Australia.

Having arrived back into Wagga, our formal duties started up the same afternoon for me with a Citizenship Ceremony giving us a chance to catch up with Mayor Greg Conkey and his wife once more. These ceremonies are always such a privilege to attend, hearing the stories of new families with much and many years hardship pledging to make Australia their home. The ceremony set in the art gallery brought back a flood of memories of Crowning Day, which is less than 5 weeks away now! 

- Stina, your local Queen

​The Princess Diaries, September 2019 

My travels began late August, I left Wagga Wagga and travelled to Turkey, Greece, Switzerland and my final destination Nördlingen, Germany. 

I met up with the Wagga Wagga delegation and my Miss Wagga Wagga where we had a beautiful lunch before jumping in our car to Nördlingen where I got to fill everyone in on my travels. 

We arrived in Nördlingen and let me tell you, add it to the bucket list to travel to, I was just amazed at the beauty of this city, surrounded by its wall and filled with small old houses all different colours! We had a wonderful dinner that evening, I have never had so much food in my life but it was just delicious, all of it! We took a stroll back to our hotel and the weather was so just beautiful! (A little better than our cold winter back here). 

Now I know you’ve been reading about our trip for a while and you have all of the details so I’ll add in what I can. 

The following day we took a trip to Baldern Castle, with a guided tour. Have you ever wanted to be a princess in a castle? I mean I didn’t stay the night but it’s as close as I’ll ever get to this, so it was like something out of the movies, I think the highlight for me was the garden and it’s chickens, every colour flower you could ever imagine! 

That evening was the opening ceremony of the Stadtmauerfest festival, something I will never forget! To think we are related (sister cities) with Nördlingen is crazy because the people of Nördlingen and the people of Wagga Wagga have a lot in common, not many cities can pull off a festival or event with full community participation and open hearts. It’s one of those fuzzy warm moments that you’ll always remember. The ceremony was great and so exciting to see everyone taking part in the festival. Did I mention I did quickly buy a costume so that I could really embrace the whole festival? It made it so much more fun! 

As the festival continued, Stina and myself continued to meet as many people as we could, take part in anything we could and eat everything we could! (I definitely had tight jeans by the flight home). 

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent Wagga Wagga, walking through the parade slightly behind Miss Wagga Wagga and watching the eyes light up of so many people “ah WAGGA WAGGA” waving! Was just surreal!

My travels home began early in the morning, leaving Nördlingen and spending the day in Munich before jumping on my flight home. As soon as I got home I was straight back to work the following day. 

Awaiting the return of Miss Wagga Wagga, I had a busy few weeks at work and then was finally able to catch up with Stina at the Citizenship Ceremony last week. 
It was definitely a busy month! But just such an amazing experience! 

With crowning just around the corner (yes I’m getting very emotional about it) I’m excited for the final month, October and our 2020 entrants' last event! 

​- Presslea, your local princess.