It was a night of glitz and glam for residents when the annual Gin Gin Show Ball kicked off on Saturday evening at the local RSL.
Volunteer and Gin Gin Show Ball organiser Nadia Gillies said the event was a huge success, with over 290 people in attendance.
“It’s definitely come a long way over the years and has really transformed into a major event for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.
“This night was the perfect opportunity for people to get really dressed up and have fun, especially our farmers.
“I come from a farming family and I know how hard these people work- 18 hour days without the time to let their hair down.
“When I started organising this event, that’s what I wanted it to turn into – something the whole community could really look forward too.”
Nadia said as part of the event, a charity auction was held which raised thousands of dollars for this year’s beneficiary, RACQ LifeFlight.
“Slab Happy donated a beautiful timber table which was auctioned off for $3,100,” Nadia said.
“A fridge freezer was also donated and went for $1,350.”
Nadia said a separate auction was held for a local family had recently received some devastating news.
“We had a two night stay at Ramada Hotel in Hervey Bay to auction and we decided the money should go to the family of a very special little girl who was diagnosed with Leukaemia,” she said.
“After the auction, many business spoke to me about donating further to this family, which was just fantastic.”
Nadia said the night was also an opportunity for some major announcements, including the title of the 2019 Miss Showgirl.
The Gin Gin Show Ball winners:
Miss Showgirl – Christine Walker
Miss Showgirl Runner Up – Chloe Johnson
Junior Miss Showgirl- Tyla Herron
Rural Ambassador – Renee Liddle
Junior Miss Showgirl Runner Up – Emma Drury
“Thank you for stepping up and taking on this journey! Your positive and enthusiastic attitude has been amazing,” Nadia said.
Thank you
Nadia said the success of the 2019 Gin Gin Show Ball was a combined effort from volunteers and local businesses.
“I am very proud of being part of something that the whole community gets behind,” she said.
“We had over $9,000 in total sponsors which is amazing- without them and without the support of everyone, this would not be possible.”
