She had the support and encouragement of former Country Music Queen Sophie O’Neill, 

a former colleague at Tamworth Remedial Massage. Sophie was so keen for her friend to become involved that she eventually became Taylah’s sponsor in the quest.

“She told me all about it ... that it was a great experience and, for me, it will be something very different, something new,” Taylah said.

Taylah’s working at McDonald’s at the moment and when not behind the counter, can be found helping out her mother on their property where they breed Angus cattle , sheep and birds.

With the festival just around the corner, Taylah said she loved everything about the event and couldn’t wait to be involved in one of its feature attractions.

“Tamworth really comes alive at this time of year,” she said.

“There’s so many tourists in town, all the stalls which add to the atmosphere and the music, of course, is amazing.”

During last year’s festival Taylah helped out at the Jess and James Hair and Makeup Salon in Peel St, keeping festival-goers looking their best, but this year she’ll be too busy with her queen quest responsibilties, something she’s excitedly anticipating.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about Tamworth and I want to use it as a stepping stone to helping out in the community more,” she said.

“It will be great getting to know the other girls (in the quest) and making some contacts that could help me in the future.”