Since winning the Wauchope Showgirl competition in 2010, Rhali Dobson has graduated as an occupational therapist (with honours) and am the primary rehabilitation consultant for the agricultural, engineering and mining workplaces in the Newcastle Hunter region.
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"I live in Melbourne 6 months of the year playing as a professional soccer player for Melbourne City; whilst sitting on the National Soccer Board of Australia and our Player Union to facilitate and improve the standards, competition and general wellbeing of female football in Australia," she said.
"My showgirl experience was one of personal growth, creating new friendships and supporting and representing the community outside of my normal sporting lifestyle. I loved educating the wider community on the Showgirl competition being a community engagement program, rather than the stereotyped 'beauty pageant'."
Rhali enjoyed engaging in all the different facets of the showgirl competition and the cattle were a particular favourite, learning about the history of our community and delving deeper into current local, state, national and international events.
She said her favourite part, if she is honest, is fulfilling a childhood dream of being part of the Showgirl competition. She never forgot watching the Showgirls when she was younger riding in the back of an old bright red ute, waving at them and thinking she wanted to be part of this wonderful program developed to enrich and enlightened females to be the best version of themselves.
Rhali said the showgirl experience taught her that you can literally set yourself apart in this world with a smile, a kind word and/or a wave.
"It is an amazing time being a showgirl entrant; the opportunities to develop your skills as a person, professional and community member are amongst the most valuable lessons I gained. I use these skills in my professions now with media interviews, bargaining agreements, contracts and wider national conferences. I believe without the showgirl competition I would not be so strong in these areas," she added.
Her advice for local girls/women entering the competition:
be honest, be you and be real. Use this as an opportunity to give back to the community and develop yourself into the best version of you. Smile and enjoy the ride because you have been afforded the opportunity that most girls will never have.
Her description of a Wauchope Showgirl in three words is: individual, honest and determined.