When Crystal Hearn came runner-up in the 2011 Wauchope Showgirl contest, it opened her eyes to what goes on behind the scenes at the Wauchope Show.
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“Over the next few months, I jumped at every opportunity to help at other events when I could,” she said.
Her best friend, Andrew Carroll, who’s now the other Wauchope Show Society vice president, suggested that she become a director, to get more young people involved in the society.
Crystal then learned that her great-grandfather was once president, and she was proud to be following in his footsteps.
“I was surprised to be made vice president, as I am one of the youngest directors. I am extremely pleased that I was voted in, as I believe it brings youth to the higher position and fresh ideas.”
Crystal has taken on the role of bar manager at Show time on April 21 and 22, and will handle the licence, the alcohol and the entertainment. In the lead-up to the Show and during it, she will also help in the office.
Her vice president role includes being part of the executive committee and attending general meetings. She encourages local people to get involved.
“At Show time, we can always use every extra pair of hands we can find,” she says.
Now a barista at the Village Green Coffee House in Wauchope, Crystal grew up on her family’s beef cattle farm at Beechwood, learning its workings from a young age, and helping out when she could.
During high school, she studied agriculture and primary industries and placed first in primary industries in year 12.
“My grandfather, Neil Eggert suffered from a stroke in 2010. He did the majority of the work on the farm up until this point. My uncle, Mick Eggert took over the workings of the farm.
“I am still helping run the farm whenever I am needed. This includes doing cattle work, feeding cattle, maintenance and helping look after my grandfather.”
Crystal has been coming to the Wauchope Show all her life.
”My grandfather and great grandfather, who was president, were both heavily involved with the Show Society. My grandfather operated machinery inside the main ring.
“My uncle, Farmer John, and auntie, Grace Eggert are heavily involved in the Show Society still.”
She says the Wauchope Show is very special.
“I love seeing the community come together for the Show. You see people you haven’t seen since the last Show and possibly work alongside them. And people who have no ties to a farming lifestyle get to see that side,” she says.
“It attracts people from around the State and beyond, which brings money to the town, and brings the community together immensely, which can be used after the Show is over.”
The Showground is also used for the monthly Farmers’ Market, Riding for the Disabled, camping, and the annual Boating Camping Fishing Caravan and Boat show in August. They recently had a very successful monster truck event.
Event days include Australia Day celebrations, the Hastings Co-op Twilight Tastings on March 25, and for a week from May 22, the Ulysses Club will hire the entire grounds for its AGM.
Crystal loves her job as a barista, making coffee and seeing the faces of her regular customers. She also runs a stationery business, Crystal Belle, from home, making wedding favours, invitations and save-the-dates.
For her, the best thing about being vice president of the Show Society is being able to make positive changes and decisions, and having the support and trust of the board.