MAY SUZUKI –

Grenfell Lions Club

May is 23 years of age and has lived in the Weddin Shire since October 2017.

She has various employment throughout the shire working at the Railway Hotel as a waitress/barmaid, Kintamani Arabians – exercising horses and is a part of the administration team at the Weddin Shire Council.

May’s younger years were dominated by horse riding.

This passion began on her family farm in the Megalong Valley herding cattle every weekend and bloomed at the local pony club.

Her family was very involved with the small but strong local pony club for many years.

After finishing High School, May moved to Wagga Wagga to study Animal Science, following her passion for animals.

At University May discovered her true passion – Taxidermy.

Her career aspiration is to become a taxidermist and specimen specialist for museums.

May believes that keeping a record of natural fauna of the world is extremely important and she would like to be part of capturing a piece of what will one day be history in a creative manner.

May’s other hobbies include knitting, crocheting, drinking tea and reading books.

What does the Festival mean to May? –

‘For me, the Henry Lawson festival is a celebration of the wonderful people from Grenfell.

A celebration of the presidencies both past and present and a chance to showcase their wide range of talents for people around the area.

It is a wonderful time to get to know and meet the locals that make Grenfell a special place.’

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KELLY LUTHJE –  Grenfell Dramatic Society

Kelly is 36 years of age and grew up in the Weddin Shire and moved back to live here again three years ago.

She is employed by NSW Health and works as a Radiographer, providing x-ray services to both Grenfell and Cowra.

Kelly likes to lead a quiet, rich life.

Full of the simple things and surrounds herself with the things she loves: her dog, her garden, exploring nature, creating something from nothing, learning music, writing poems, acting, playing golf and travelling.

Most of all though Kelly loves Grenfell being her home and being a part of this beautiful community.

Although Kelly loves her job, and is very proud of the accomplishments she has achieved with in it, Kelly has never been a very career orientated person.

For her, life is about growing, being the best human she can and enjoying living within the beautiful life she created for herself.

Kelly is constantly learning and shifting habits and thought patterns – she loves seeing what ‘amazingness’ life will throw at her next.

Kelly believes it is important to remember – ‘you don’t have to be something big or have a great career to be happy, important and live a full life.’

What does the Festival mean to Kelly? –

‘When I was younger Amanda Handcock and I would dress up as clowns for the Museum and hand out lollies in the procession and it was always a fun day.

It was also about recitations.

I loved reciting and would often perform in the Festival Concert.

As I grew older it became a weekend to catch up with everyone, and now it is a very full on time as I am usually in the Dramatic Society production over the Festival Weekend.

No matter what I’m doing it’s always been a special time of year for your community.’

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SHANNON BEST – The Henry Lawson High School

Shannon is 18 years of age and has lived in the Weddin Shire her entire life.

She spends the warmer days employed at the Grenfell Aquatic Centre performing the duties of a Lifeguard to ensure the safety of patrons and a Swimming teacher to help develop the life skill of swimming in local children.

Shannon recently completed her HSC at the Henry Lawson High School.

Before continuing to further her education at University, as she wished to gain financial independence.

During her time at the Henry Lawson High School, she was able to take advantage of her interest in the creative arts through participating in extra-curricular activities such as band, choir and drama club.

Outside of school Shannon likes to play soccer and netball.

She has been a member of the Grenfell Town & District Band since the age of 8 and in recent years has joined the Cowra District Band.

Shannon also tries her best to keep up to date with daily events and enjoys debating the latest news with anyone who will listen, with popular topics being – the under appreciation of our teachers and the untapped potential and value of rural communities.

What does the Festival mean to Shannon? –

‘I’ve always been involved in the Henry Lawson Festival from dressing up for the parade, to playing in the town band in the street, to performing at the Friday Night Concert.

The Festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Grenfell’s rich heritage, while showcasing todays Australian Artists.

I look forward to competing in this year’s Queen Competition and would like to wish my fellow Queens all the best in their fundraising endeavours.’

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HANNAH ROBINSON – The Grenfell Public School

Hannah is 24 years of age and has lived in the Weddin Shire all her life.

She is employed by the Department of Education and is currently working at Grenfell Public School as a classroom Teacher and Librarian.

Hannah is a second year Primary Teacher after graduating from Charles Sturt University in 2016.

One of her greatest achievements thus far is graduating with Distinction in her Bachelor of Education.

Hannah thoroughly enjoys her career as a teacher and looks forward to continuing to learn as her career progresses.

Hannah also enjoys playing sport, particularly soccer and netball, which she plays when the season starts here in Grenfell.

Her own hobbies include reading – she spends many days of her holidays reading books, as well as craft – particularly card making.

At the moment Hannah is renovating, this has quickly become another hobby for her.

A personal goal for Hannah is to remain here in Grenfell, teaching at the school where she was once taught.

What does the Festival mean to Hannah? –

‘The Festival is important for growing our local community, for celebrating achievements, recognising local and national entries in the Arts as well as fundraising for local community organisations as well as the Henry Lawson Festival committee itself.’

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MELINDA HEWEN – Grenfell Bowling Club

Melinda is 19 years of age and has lived in the Weddin Shire her entire life.

She is currently employed at the Grenfell Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, where she cares for and educates children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years.

Melinda graduated from The Henry Lawson High School in 2016 and went on to begin a TAFE course just two weeks after completing her HSC.

Throughout Melinda’s schooling she was heavily involved in sporting activities, the Science and Engineering Challenges and was a peer-reading mentor for two years.

Outside of school she was an active member of the Grenfell Rugby League Club, the Grenfell Netball Association and Swimming Club.

One of Melinda’s proudest accomplishments to date is landing a full time job at the Preschool shortly after finishing TAFE, not only is getting a job amazing, but the fact that Melinda was able to get a job that she loves in the town she is loves made it all the more special to her.

What does the Festival mean to Melinda? –

‘I am only 19 years of age and haven’t really been able to experience many things yet, that is why I decided to give Festival Queen ago.

The Festival is an amazing event to showcase Grenfell and all the amazing things about it.

The Festival is also greatly beneficial to local businesses as it brings so many people to the town.

It is also a great way to bring people together and allows for people to show their vast array of talents through the Art Gallery, the Festival Concert and the many different events over the Festival Weekend.’

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Best of luck to all of the 2018 Henry Lawson Festival Queen contestants.

The winners will be announced at the official Awards Presentation Reception on Saturday June 9 at the Grenfell Bowling Club.

For more information about the event contact coordinator Liz Carroll on 02 6343 1543 or visit www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au