Hollie helps save the day

When Hollie Roberts heard the Festival of Busselton’s Queen competition was in jeopardy she felt compelled to act.

The 17-year-old Busselton girl threw her hat in the ring to represent the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay and has helped save the iconic event in the festival’s 50th year.

“It’s not about winning; I just wanted to make sure it went ahead,” Hollie said.

“My nan has put in a stall at Petticoat Lane every year and she told me it was going to fold because there was no queen. It’s something I’ve seen every year since I was young. I heard they needed entrants so I put my name forward in the hope that others would.”

Hollie has just graduated from Cape Naturaliste College and is busy working with her mum at the Busselton Indoor Sports Centre.

A keen volleyball player, her main passion is the performing arts.

“I’ve had singing and dancing lessons my whole life and I’m teaching singing and dancing at Dunsborough Community Centre during the school holidays,” she said.

“I hope to become a singing teacher myself one day.

“Ever since I was little it’s what I’ve wanted to do.”

To celebrate the 50th Festival of Busselton, a reunion cocktail party will be held for past winners of the Festival Queen and Young Ambassador competitions at Bayview Geographe Resort on January 10.

Past queens and young ambassadors are urged to contact organiser Neil MacDonald on 9755 4004.

Contact details can be emailed to bmasters@iinet.net.au.