There are four entrants in the Casino Show Women of the Year competition.
Get to know a little more about Fiona Bautista, Kristhine Salceda, Tayla Dawson and Portia Bienke before a winner and runner-up is announced at the Casino Show official opening tomorrow, Friday, October 13.
Kristhine Salceda from Casino
I just graduated from St Marys Catholic College a few weeks ago.
I was born in the Philippines. I only lived there until I was three because I lost both my parents in a tragic accident. A year later I was adopted by my aunty and uncle in Australia who I now call my mum and dad and I’ve been living in the beautiful town of Casino ever since.
A word that best describes me is ‘bubbly’. I am a welcoming person, always down to chat – I can talk for hours. I love meeting new people – it’s become a hobby of mine.
My family is a combination of Filipino, Australian and Italian. I treasure my family so much because they are proof that life is enjoyable and they are my main source of happiness.
I entered this comp for the new experiences. I wanted to test myself discover what I was capable of. I hope to inspire the next generation to enter these comps and show them that you can do anything. Meeting the show community and being part of it has definitely been a thrill, I have loved every bit of it.
My passion in life is to one day explore the whole world, which is why I want to join the cabin crew team to pursue my dreams of travelling.
What advice would I give my seven year old self?
Don’t care so much of what others think of you and your loud personality. You’ll find the right people who will appreciate every bit of you. Everybody is individual and unique and it’s what makes us special. Stop worrying about the future and enjoy the present moment because time really flies by and before you know it, you’re an adult and reality kicks in. We all fail and make mistakes but that’s how we learn.
Fiona Bautista from Casino
I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I have two sisters and an older brother. I spent my childhood under the care of my grandparents since my parents separated when I was two years old. I moved to Casino in December 2021 since my mum and stepdad live here. It has been a significant step in my growth as an individual to begin a new chapter in my life. Adapting to the culture and state of living here, including the people that surround me here has shaped me as a person.
I am passionate and driven individual committed to continuous learning and positive impact.
Participating in this competition represents an incredible opportunity to challenge myself, push my limits, and contribute my skills and creativity to a meaningful cause, aspiring to learn, grow, and inspire others along the way.
Also, for a newcomer to this type of competition in this town is a great way to meet new people who share enthusiasm for change. I want to encourage other young women like us to participate in this type of competition in order to better themselves and get more involved in the community.
My passion is to work as a nurse. Nursing is fundamentally concerned with the care of individuals and the improvement of their health and well-being. It is rewarding career choice since I have a strong desire to help others and make a difference in their lives. I am passionate about being a better version of myself every day.
What I like about the show is that it gets us involved in and familiar with the place we live. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages self-confidence. I value the camaraderie and support we share on this journey.
What advice would I give my seven year old self?
Embrace curiosity and continue to explore the world around you. Don’t be afraid to make errors and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Tayla Dawson from Casino
I have lived in the Casino area my entire life and currently live at Yorklea.
I am 20 years old and work as a disability and mental health support worker. I also study fulltime at Southern Cross University and am commencing my third year in my in an education degree with a specialisation in science and technology.
My family are local to the area and own a small farm in Yorklea. I was raised by my mum in Casino. I have two younger sisters and live with my nan, mum and dad (stepfather). My family have been involved in disability support services since before I was born. Growing up with this involvement, my family are my inspiration, constantly reminding me of the most essential things in life, like kindness and love.
The Young Woman competition, previously known as Showgirl, has played a massive role in helping me grow confidence and be myself. I remember entering showgirl as a kid and running from the cattle ring dressed in cowgirl boots and jeans to my interview. It was where I made lifelong friends that I still have, and it helped me develop so many skills. I entered this year to help with my confidence, learn and grow with other young women, be a part of the community as a role model for the younger generation, and inspire youth involvement in our local ag show.
I am passionate about supporting our rural area. This was one of the reasons I decided to study education. I want to provide children in rural areas with quality education. This has also sparked interest in helping at local cattle camps and supporting rural youth in our rural industries. I plan to work towards a position under the minister of education to help support our rural area schools.
What I love most about the show is bringing our community together. There is something for everyone at the show. I grew up looking forward to the show and have a special place in my heart for the cattle arena and love jumping in to show cattle when I can as Casino Show was one of my first shows leading cattle when I was 13. I love the show and I look forward to coming together as a community and having fun.
My favourite memories of the show would be the showgirl competition and the friends I gained from my experiences. Friends that I would then go on the whizzer ride with 100 times over. This is still a tradition with my best friend now.
What advice would I give my seven year old self?
Be kind. Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, and with what you have. Take time to be kind to someone, as one act of kindness can change someone’s life. Also, don’t let fear of what other people think keep you from going for what you love. I have missed so many opportunities due to the fear of judgement just to work out that doing what I love has allowed me to connect with wonderful people and have wonderful experiences.
Portia Bienke from Casino
I was born and raised in Casino most of my life except for a bit of time in Tabulam.
I’m a people person and my friends would describe me as entertaining and charismatic.
I grew up with a decent sized family including four other siblings who I am very close with but have grown up in separate homes – probably the reason why we are all so close now.
I enjoy getting involved in the community and life’s too short to regret not doing something plus the experience itself is a great reason for anyone to enter
My passion is caring for other people, I work in disability care and am looking to get into social welfare care for a lifelong career. If I can make a difference to just one persons life then I’ll be happy.
I love how the show brings the community together and I love the showbags, of course.
My favourite show memory growing up would have to be rides with my siblings, the claw marks from my little sister took a week to fade.
What advice would I give my seven year old self?
You’re capable of so much, don’t doubt yourself.
and then