The 18-year-old couldn't believe it when Kiama Show president David Young announced her name. She edged out runner-up Kate Allen, Sarah Prosser and Heidi Linhart for the honour of representing Kiama Show at the zone finals.

"It's been a great opportunity so far - it's the cherry on the cake," Ms Picton said.

"Zone is coming up soon, so this is just the start - it's been lots of fun and a dream come true really."

She said she had been thinking about entering the contest for a while and when she saw one of the other girl's profiles in the newspaper thought it would be fun.

"My boss at Red Rooster, Steve Willis, was enthusiastic about the idea and so were my family, so I thought I would enter.

"It certainly helps your social skills as I haven't had any public speaking experience, but this is definitely a real thrill and I would like to thank the show committee and in particular showgirl co-ordinator Katy Cullen, for their support and encouragement."

Ms Picton will commence studying primary school teaching at the University of Wollongong in March.

Last year's showgirl winner Melissa Tierney said she was impressed by the four contestants andthat they would all learn from the whole experience.

"It's so exciting being involved and a whole new experience," Miss Tierney said.

"You learn so much about Kiama and rural lifestyle as well as making new friends, and it is also a really good networking experience that will help you in the future and gives you so much more confidence."

The announcement of the successful Showgirl was made at Kiama Show on Friday evening.

The winner of this year's Kiama competition will then compete at the zone final in Blacktown on February 21, with the chance to potentially represent Kiama at the 2015 Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition in March.