New Queen Frewoini Baume hugs former queen Char Murray as mayor Robert Mustow looks on.
Susanna Freymark
When the winner was announced Frewoini Baume didn’t expect to hear her name called by Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow.
The five Beef Week Queen entrants – Reanna Rankin, Heidi McClure, Sky-Maree Oldham, Kate Hepburn and Frewoini stood next to the stage at the Casino RSM Club
Kate was announced as runner-up.
When Frewoini’s name was called she went up on stage, and last year’s Queen Char Murray handed over the crown and satin blue gown.
Frewoini’s mother Venessa Cowley-Baume was watching and said she was “so proud.”
”She’s a leader and feels a social responsibility,” she said.
Frewoini lives outside of Lismore with her family including” her older sister.
”She’s kind, and generous and is open to new experiences,” Venessa said about her daughter.
Frewoini was school captain at Trinity School in Lismore and had a Governor-General Scholarship.
She said she was humbled to win, and her hands were shaking as she adjusted her crown.
Former Queen (as of tonight), Char said being Beef Week Queen was “Bloody, absolutely unreal.”
”I’ve gone from my muddy boots in the paddock to polishing myself, “ Char said.
”It’s been a year of wearing dresses instead of jeans and trying not to trip over my heels.”
She said she has learned to wave like a Queen.
It’s back to the yards to tackle cattle ticks now, Char said.
For Frewoini, the journey begins as her and the other entrants embark on 11 days of activities in Casino – celebrating Brenda Armfield as this year’s theme.
Congratulations Frewoini and all the Queen entrants.
TV presenter Natasha Beyersdorf watches Beef Week president Brody Lisha give his speech. Photos: Susanna Freymark