http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/no-more-girls-in-a-million/story-e6frg6oo-1225712788560
ONCE upon a time there was no greater prize for a young Queensland woman than to win the Girl in a Million Quest.
Over five decades thousands of young women across the state, in towns large and small, vied to be the winning representative for their local RSL. They would put on display their talents as charity fundraisers, their charming personalities and of course their good looks.
But after 50 years, in which millions of dollars were raised for veterans, the competition is about to fade into history. The RSL has announced this year’s Girl in a Million Quest, thought to be the country’s longest-running pageant, will be the last.
The competition, which still attracts major sponsors such as Australia Post, has raised more than $12 million for veterans during its 50-year lifespan.
D’Esley Smith won the first competition in 1959, when she was 18, beating 200 other young hopefuls by raising money through cake stalls, lamington drives, raffles and jumble sales. When it was announced she was the winner she had to sit down, fearful she would faint.
While touring America as part of her prize her refusal to pose in a swimsuit for a persistent American photographer pleased her RSL sponsors, concerned about their wholesome image, but disappointed many male fans. Her refusal made headlines across Australia.
“Unfortunately, due to the changing demands and aspirations of today’s society, the quest has seen a decrease in interest and enthusiasm from young Queensland women,” RSL Queensland president Doug Formby said. “Women today tend to be more focused on their careers, sport or studies, and the RSL needs to adapt to, and reflect, this change. The demographics and aspirations of young women have changed significantly since the quest commenced.”
Ms Smith said winning the quest and becoming the subject of national attention had changed her life. “I grew up. I had been just a little country girl. I hadn’t been away from home.”
She is philosophical about the competition’s demise. “These things are acceptable at one point and not at another. If they don’t get the public support they can’t continue,” she said.
One of Australia’s other long-running pageants, the Miss Australia Competition, closed in 2000.
Belinda Green, who won the Miss World crown in 1972, said the pageants had provided wonderful opportunities for many women. “Beauty queens have been superseded by supermodels,” she said. “The concept is a little old-fashioned. The role of women has changed.”
Chairwoman of the current Miss World Australia organisation Pauline McFetridge lamented the passing of the Girl in a Million Quest.
“Today the young women will tell you they are independent, they have their own thoughts and views. It is no longer politically incorrect to be part of one of these pageants. The girls who enter are free thinkers and they use this as a step in their careers.”