She has spoken about her time as an entrant as part of the Ambassador Quest in a bid to encourage other people to do the same towards the end of this year. 

Fund-raising as part of the quest will officially kick off from December 1, with entrants and their committees needing to be organised before then. 

Miss Reneker said the time was now to start thinking about taking part. 

“To start with it was a daunting experience, but as it went along it was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said. 

“I wouldn’t take any of it back. 

“The biggest thing I got out of it was confidence. 

“I’ve always been a positive and confident person, but I was still quite nervous to be taking part and speaking in front of people at events. It helped me so much with that.”

Miss Reneker was named the Ambassador formally known as the “Ricebowl Princess” as part of last year’s festival, with Tayla Johnson named the Fund-raising Ambassador for her efforts. 

Each Ambassador has a committee behind them that helps hosts different events to raise money for the community. 

Last year the entrants raked in $80,000. 

“I would definitely put the challenge out there for the next lot to beat that,” Miss Reneker said. 

The sub-committee in charge of the quest has been busily preparing, with Miss Reneker, 2012 Ambassador Lara Belford and other past winners and entrants all helping out. 

The group will also assist as mentors to the incoming entrants. 

“You definitely won’t regret taking part,” Miss Reneker said. 

“It’s a great feeling knowing you are helping your town. I found it was also good to get out there in the community and meet new people. 

“We would definitely love to see more males involved this time around. It’s something for everyone … young or old.”