“It’s just always been something I’ve wanted to enter,” she told the Hunter Valley News in the weeks leading up to the judging.

And, on Saturday at the Muswellbrook Showground, Miss Hunt joined a long list of impressive young women to secure the crown.

Currently studying primary education at the University of New England, the 21-year-old did enough to catch the judges’ eye, ahead of first runner-up Taylor Farrell and second runner-up Sarah Kemp.

“It’s such an honour to be named the Upper Hunter Showgirl,” she said.

“I’m really surprised … but stoked.

“The other girls, Taylor and Sarah, were both strong candidates.  

“It’s a dream come true for me and an accomplishment I’m proud of.”

Miss Hunt now moves to the next stage, the zone judging, in 2015.

“Although I’m thrilled to have won it [here], I want to go as far as I can in this competition,” she admitted.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.”

In the Teen Showgirl section, Scone’s Monique Estrada claimed the title ahead of Lauren Parkinson and second runner-up Bridget Thomas.