Rebecca, 17, was nominated for the award by her mother.

“I thought it was a good opportunity and decided to give it a go and give back to the community,” Rebecca said.

She said the competition involved a written application and an interview. 

Rebecca said she had been involved in many fundraiser activities in the community, including Relay for Life and she regularly volunteered at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran School.

Rebecca said she was excited to win the award.

“I couldn’t believe I had won,” she said.

“I was against two other people and I was the younger one, so I didn’t expect it.

“I am very excited and so glad to have this opportunity.”

Competition organiser Andrea Cross said the award’s criteria were based on a young person’s leadership qualities demonstrated either at school, sport, employment or within the community. 

“Rebecca is studying year 12 at Ballarat and Clarendon College and she demonstrates leadership qualities throughout her college and also in the Horsham community which she is still strongly involved in although residing in Ballarat,” she said.

“She has been a supporter of the Horsham Show since she was a child and has won titles in the Miss Showgirl competition over the years.” 

The competition is open to males and females aged 17 to 25.

The competition has been an additional part of the Miss Showgirl competition since 2006.