It’s a special year for the Quest, which celebrates its 30th year of encouraging, inspiring and giving life changing opportunities to the young women of the Tamworth region this year.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, member for New England Tony Windsor, deputy premier Andrew Stoner and The Northern Daily Leader’s advertising manager Kylie Ticehurst presented the girls with their sashes and hats on the stage in Toyota’s Fanzone in Peel St. 

During proceedings 2012 Queen Dimity Chaseling and Princess Shae McIntosh also did a uestion and answer session with the politicians. 

During that time Mr Anderson encouraged the 2013 entrants to make the most of their time during festival.

“Enjoy it, relax, be friendly, offer visitors help and really enjoy each other’s company,” Mr Anderson said. 

Mr Stoner reinforced the importance of having strong female leaders and Mr Windsor told the young women they had a lot to look forward to from their involvement in the quest. 

The Quest is one of the great traditions of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and aims to provide entrants with personal development opportunities, and the opportunity to be actively involved in one of the top ten festivals in the world.

Yesterday afternoon’s sashing was just the beginning of a very busy 10 days for the girls who will visit a number of events, meet visitors and help to promote the city for the duration of the festival. 

The 2013 Queen and Princess of Country Music win a trip to Gore, New Zealand to attend the Gore Country Music Festival and will spend the next 12 months acting as roving ambassador’s for the Tamworth region.

The Queen will be named at a gala dinner on Sunday, January 27.