By KATRINA BRANDON
TRARALGON local Grace (Gigi) Griffith is sharing boot-skooting fun in her bid to be named Australia’s Rodeo Queen.
A night of fundraising next month will support her bid for the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest 2025, alongside her chosen charity, Rural Aid, which aligns with the country theme.
Ms Griffith was selected to represent Traralgon and the wider Gippsland community as an entrant in the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest (ARQQ) 2025 – a national competition celebrating horsemanship, leadership, and the heart of rural Australia.
Established in 1992, the ARQQ is the longest-running national Rodeo Queen competition in Australia. It exists to honour the sport of rodeo and elevate ambassadors who can represent rural values and Australian rodeo culture both nationally and internationally.
The winner is crowned Miss Rodeo Australia, gaining the opportunity to represent the country at events across Australia and internationally, including in the United States.
Entrants are judged across several areas, including horsemanship and riding ability, public speaking and media presentation, community engagement and charity work, rodeo knowledge and rural awareness, as well as personal presentation and leadership skills.
The Quest spans several months of preparation, fundraising, event attendance and public appearances.
Ms Griffith, 29, is one of nine young women selected nationally to compete in the Rodeo Queen Quest, and one of just two entrants from Victoria.
“This journey is about proudly representing the values that built me – community, resilience, and a love for country life,” she said.
“While I’m honoured to be in the running for Rodeo Queen, I see this as an opportunity to give back, raise awareness for rural causes, and champion the next generation of country women.”
When Ms Griffith isn’t spending time on the ARQQ route, she works in the creative industries as a creative studio producer lead at Aussie Broadband, and runs a freelance business, Gigi & Hop Creative.
Born and raised in the High Country, Ms Griffith has a strong connection and passion for all things country.
“My career has taken me in different directions, but I’ve found myself drawn back to the country way of life over and over again,” she told the Express.
“The connection to animals, the people, the values – it’s where I feel most myself.
“Horses have been at the heart of my journey for as long as I can remember – I practically grew up in the saddle.
“Now, more than ever, I feel called to advocate for the country way of life, ensuring its traditions, values, and spirit continue to thrive.”
Through the Quest, Ms Griffith aims to amplify rural voices, promote regional Australia, and support meaningful causes, such as Rural Aid, a charity that assists farming communities in times of hardship.
The fundraising event, to be held at Maffco Brewing, is set to include all country-themed entertainment, such as boot scooting by Queens Country, line dance events, music by DJ Yeehaw, line dancing competitions, best dressed prizes, giveaways, market stalls, auctions, and raffles – all infused with a cowboy flair.
Excited about the night, Ms Griffith told the Express there will be lots on offer.
Attendees will also have the chance to win a $150 Ringers Western voucher as a door prize.
“I’ve been amazed by the generosity and backing I’ve received,” she said.
“Christine from Queens County is volunteering her time to lead the dancing. DJ Yeehaw is donating his DJ set, Maffco has donated the venue, and Haylie from Handmade Rustic Creations has come on board to decorate.
“We also have some amazing vendors joining us who’ll be selling western wear on the night, as well as donating raffle items.
“I’m so grateful to have the support I do. It really shows the strength and heart of rural communities, which is exactly why I set out to be part of this Quest in the first place.”
For more information or to support Grace’s campaign, visit Grace “Gigi” Griffith – Australian Rodeo Queen Quest 2025 Entrant on Facebook.
The Maffco event will be held Saturday, August 2 from 6pm.
