Community & Business
2 April, 2026
Showgirl drought broken
Bridgette Langston was crowned 2026 Darling Downs Showgirl on Saturday afternoon at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, breaking a 31-year drought for the Goombungee Haden Show Society.
During the judging process, Ms Langston had spoken of her interest in assisting with the promotion of mental health solutions.
“It’s okay not to be okay,” she said.
She said people should not be afraid to ask the question “Are you okay?”, because just being there for someone is important.
The Air Force Corporal stressed the need to make sure young voices are heard when agricultural shows are being organised.
“It will be their show in the future,” she said.
The announcement of her award came one year after her sister Jacinta had finished runner-up in the same competition.
In her campaign to become Goombungee Haden Showgirl, Ms Langston had raised $4,554 for the Show Society through colour runs, catering for bird sales and chook auctions.
She is the first Darling Downs Showgirl from the Goombungee-Haden Show Society since Meringandan’s Nerida Barralet in 1995.
Meanwhile, Oakey Show Rural Ambassador Abby Dwight-Nowland was runner-up in the Darling Downs Sub-Chamber Rural Ambassador competition.
During the judging, the young beef industry leader encouraged young people to get involved in agriculture as a career, outlining the types of jobs that are available including those involving technology.
Ms Dwight-Nowland finished one place behind eventual Darling Downs Rural Ambassador Angus Cronin, from Jandowae.
The judging took place on Saturday afternoon in the Founders Pavilion at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
On Friday, a presentation of a different type took place at the Showgrounds when Brymaroo-raised Olympic medallist Chris Burton was presented with the Keys to the City by Regional Mayor Geoff McDonald.
Mr Burton’s family joined him and many dignitaries for the ceremony, which took place in the Glenvale Room.
Mr Burton received the Keys to the City not only for his equestrian achievements, but also for his advocacy in bringing the Olympic Games to Toowoomba.
On Friday, he said it was an incredible honour to be granted the key to his local home city.
“Having the equestrian for the 2032 Games in Toowoomba, where my equestrian career started is extremely nostalgic for me,” he said.
“Like many equestrians from the Darling Downs, I’m extremely proud and excited to see this project unfold.”
Having lived in the United Kingdom for the past decade, Mr Burton has now moved back to Australia with his wife Rebekah and two children, and it’s understood he has plans to build an equestrian centre at Dalby.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki congratulated his one time neighbour on his achievement.
“Chris grew up with me at Brymaroo - and it’s been an absolute privilege to watch his success over the years at three Olympic Games including silver in Paris,” he said.
“Chris’ passion for bringing the Games to Toowoomba has been second to none, and I’m grateful for his advocacy which helped bring this once in a lifetime event to the Darling Downs.
“Shaped by his family, Chris richly deserves this acknowledgement as he receives the key to our wonderful city.”
Meanwhile, progress on the design of the planned Olympic equestrian facility continue, with a Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority representative spotted at the Showgrounds on Friday.
Planning and approvals process for the Toowoomba Showgrounds upgrade will continue throughout 2026.
Whatever the outcome of the Olympic Games process in Toowoomba, the local legacy of the Burton family will continue to live on through the Brymaroo Pony Club, co-founded by Chris’ mother Ruth, which meets regularly at the local Rodeo and Campdraft Grounds.
