Youth, education and health are the focus of the three entrants contesting the 2016 Cherry Queen Competition, part of Young’s 67th National Cherry Festival to be held on December 2, 3 and 4.
The entrants are passionate about their chosen charities and the impact they would like to make on their local community and beyond. They are also committed to their local festival, and the role it plays in promoting one of the state’s most diverse and productive regions, Hilltops.
Jemma Long has a desire to assist the youth of her community and is raising funds for PCYC, one of the largest youth organisation in Australia providing active and safe activities. Her involvement in the festival competition stems from her role as 2015 Young High School captain, her engagement in sport at a state level, her strong connections to her close knit community and her desire to continue to contribute in a positive way.
...I believe that everyone should have the chance to follow their dreams and further their education, regardless of where they live.
- Hayley Dwyer
Entrant Jacqui Everdell sees the festival as an opportunity to celebrate the Young community and to honour local man Mr Timothy Batinich who lost his battle with brain cancer earlier this year.
Jacqui is raising funds for “Cure for Brain Cancer Foundation”, the peak brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness organisation in Australia. A local educator and business owner, Jacqui looks forward to starting her own family and building her dream home.
For Boorowa teacher Hayley Dwyer the competition is a chance to reach out to the community, to make new friends and to assist the Boorowa Education Foundation.
“I chose this charity for my fundraising because I believe that everyone should have the chance to follow their dreams and further their education, regardless of where they live,” she said.
Hayley, is looking forward to her continued fund raising with the culmination in the crowning of the cherry queen and charity queen on December 2.
The three queen entrants made their first joint public outing at Young’s Cherry Blossom Long Table Lunch and are busy organising a range of fund raising events and public appearance in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Contact the Young Visitor Information Centre on 6382 3394 for more information.
