Shannen Toole sashed the 2014 Forbes Showgirl

Shannen was announced the winner of the Showgirl competition after a very difficult decision by the judges, who ended up awarding two commendation awards to the other two entrants, 23-year-old Emily Pavey and Melissa Gaffney, 22.

Shannen was thrilled with being named the 2014 Forbes Showgirl.

“I’m very honoured to be representing Forbes and the wider community – it’s a big thrill,” she said.

She said the competition has been fantastic, especially getting to know the two other girls.

“It’s been amazing – I’m with two other amazing people and I think we’re all winners,” she said.

“It’s been a great experience and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.”

Shannen grew up in Forbes and went to school here before getting a business traineeship with CRT Forbes.

This year’s judges were 2014 The Land Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl runner-up Sally Newton, local farmer and 2006 Farmer of the Year Gary Johnston and local Jack Woodburn, whose daughter Fiona was the winner of the Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl competition 15 years ago.

Showgirl steward Pietta Bridge said the judges had a very hard time picking a winner out of this year’s entrants.

“The competition was really tough,” she said.

“The judges said it was just so hard, which is why they decided to award the two commendation awards.”

Ms Bridge said the Showgirls have all presented themselves well and did a great job with all of their official duties yesterday.

“They’ve done a brilliant job and it has been a very outstanding competition,” she said.