If she could have, Jade Deaves of Mannering Park would have shown the judges video of her three-year transformation at the show.

“In my answer, I explained how the showgirl competition teaches confidence,” Ms Deaves, 22, said.

“And when you think about it, there aren’t many avenues for young people to improve in that area.”

Ms Deaves first entered the quest in 2015, having watched her auntie, Crystal Shelley, contest the title in 2014.

“I’d always been too nervous about the public speaking part to enter,” Ms Deaves said.

But those nerves were no match for her perseverance.

She first entered the quest in 2015, learning from every new experience, and building her confidence base.

Little things, such as encountering fancy cutlery at the formal dinner, all took some getting used to.

She improved markedly in 2016 and, in February this year, conquered her nerves, and approached every aspect of the judging process with the relaxed confidence judges were looking for.

Ms Deaves said setting and achieving plenty of goals was part of her personality.

“I like to achieve things, and I tend to take too much on,” she said.

And it was a trait that struck a chord with the judges.

She’s currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching (secondary) at Avondale College of Higher Education, at Cooranbong. She’s majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Outdoor Education.

She’s also studying for a Certificate IV in Personal Training, and a Diploma in Nutrition. She is certified to instruct in abseiling, rock climbing, white water rafting and deep sea kayaking.

And she works at Treetops Adventure Park, at Wyong Creek.

Ms Deaves said she would recommend the Morisset Showgirl quest to young women in the district.

“You’ll make so many new friends,” she said, “and it’s just the biggest confidence boost ever.”