Community & Business
27 February, 2026
Spotlight on rural role models
The Pittsworth Show Society held its annual Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards soirée on Saturday with an exceptional display of young rural leaders ready to step up and pave their own way in the industry.
It was the largest attendance in recent years with 95 tickets sold for the evening at Rusty’s Bar and Grill.
The majority of entrants, who were supported by their family and friends, represented the Scrubby Mountain area.
Amanda Riehl, Pittsworth Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Coordinator, said she was most proud of the entrants and their dedication to the program.
“You have shown up every single time with enthusiasm, resilience and heart,” Ms Riehl said.
“I am so incredibly proud of each of you for stepping outside your comfort zone and giving this opportunity a real crack - that takes courage and you’ve done it with grace.
“Please remember this, you are all winners in your own way, you have grown, you have contributed and you have represented Pittsworth with pride.”
The senior award winners were Corinne Hobbs (Showgirl) and Jane Krautz (Rural Ambassador).
“It is an honour to be announced as the Pittsworth Senior Showgirl for 2026, something that I am willing and ready to step into,” Corinne said after receiving her sash.
She shared memories of helping at her family’s trade site at the Show when she was younger, and is excited to help foster even greater community involvement at this year’s event.
Corinne wore a sparkling dress of lilac embellished with flower detailing, and thin straps.
As Jane received her Rural Ambassador pin and badge, her naturally bubbly disposition made everyone smile.
“I am truly honoured and grateful to accept the role of the Rural Ambassador for Pittsworth,” Jane said.
“Our town is built on resilience, hard work and genuine community spirit.
“Pittsworth isn’t just where we live it’s who we are.
“It’s farmers, families, small businesses, volunteers and people who always show up for one another.
“To represent this community is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“Rural communities are the heart of Australia and I’m passionate about celebrating the strength and opportunity that rural life offers,” she said.
Jane wore a one shouldered ruched evening gown in black.
The Junior Showgirl crown was awarded to Corinne’s younger sister, Renee Hobbs, who shared that her first love at the Pittsworth Show was the guinea pig section.
Although the class hasn’t featured at the Show for several years, Renee hopes to see it reinstated, remembering the happiness it brought her as a young girl.
Renee wore a sleeveless high neck gown in periwinkle.
The Junior Showgirl runner-up was Talia Barbeler who was dressed in a strapless gown of soft yellow.
“I really hope that I can step up and be a role model that the young need me to be,” she said.
The Junior Rural Ambassador was awarded to Cormac Hass, who looked very dapper in his navy blazer and tie.
He said representing Pittsworth is a proud honour, particularly for a Show that is built upon the labours of farmers, students and local businesses and showcases the cream of the crop
in agriculture, community spirit and country values.
The judges of the program were Jack Murphy (2024 Darling Downs Rural Ambassador), Cr. Carol Taylor (Toowoomba Regional Council) and Jasmine Thornes (Queensland Next Generation Vice Chair).
For Jack Murphy, it was a privilege for him to return to his old stomping ground in Pittsworth, and share words of encouragement with the entrants.
“It is a huge honour to be back in Pittsworth to judge this,” he said.
“I really appreciate the roots of where I started in the Show movement.
“Without this Show I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“And since being involved in our Show, I represented the Darling Downs for Rural Ambassador and was State runner-up,” he said.
Mr Murphy has had a very successful Show journey, having judged in every state in Australia, and overseas.
“I couldn’t have done that without the support I received from the people in this room. For that I am very grateful,” he said.
“To the young people who did compete today - your Show journey doesn’t end this time next year.
“I really want you at some point throughout the Show to find a section that really involves you, something that you’re really passionate about and something that you can take over one day.
“And if that section doesn’t exist then make that section,” he said.
The Rural Ambassador pins were presented by Anastazia Kingsford, who was the 2024 Pittsworth Show Spirit Award winner.
The Showgirl sashes were presented by Jacinta Langston, Goombungee-Haden Showgirl for 2025 and runner-up Darling Downs Sub Chamber Showgirl for 2025.
At the end of the evening Pittsworth Show Society President, Paul Fuhlbohm thanked the attendees for their support.
“It’s pretty impressive how things can come together, but we can always do with some help,” he said.
“If you can come and give us a hand at some stage in something, whatever your passion is, come and see us.”
Mr Fuhlbohm said the outstanding calibre of this year’s Showgirls and Rural Ambassadors demonstrates that the future of the industry is in very capable hands.
“We always seem to be able to present an extremely talented and well presented lineup of Showgirl and Rural Ambassadors and this year is no exception.”
