Like mother, like daughter: Maleny’s Show Princess keeps a cherished tradition alive

by Cameron Outridge

:Pics by Marsha Fotografie

More than two decades after she was crowned Miss Showgirl in 2003, Maleny’s Sally Hopper has watched her daughter, Cheeky, follow in her footsteps — named this year’s Miss Show Princess ahead of the 2025 Maleny Show.

“We are so proud of Cheeky and all the other girls who entered,” Sally said. “They are all a credit to their families and our community.”

The honour has brought a wave of pride for the Hopper family, of Maleny Dairies fame, and highlighted the strength of Maleny’s community roots.

“We’ve lost so many traditions that were wholesome family events,” Mrs Hopper said. “We understand it’s just how it goes — however it’s like anything: if you don’t get involved and support the things you like and are passionate about, it’ll disappear as well.”

While Cheeky embraced the opportunity, she wasn’t without nerves. “She was scared more than anything,” Sally said.

“But the Show Society has been super encouraging to Cheeky over the years. So she was looking forward to being an entrant.

“And it wasn’t just one event — there’s a lead-up of programs they were involved in to build the girls up to be confident in themselves and be an asset to the community.”

For the Hoppers, Maleny’s values are part of what makes the Show special.

“We definitely love the traditional family structure and doing things in the community for all to enjoy without the pressure,” she said.

“Sure there’s the pressure of doing your best, but the excitement of the challenges and competition with the other girls and getting to know their families as well is all part of belonging to this great community.”

The Hopper family, like many others, is involved behind the scenes too.

“What we are doing is only minuscule compared to the time and effort lots of other families do,” Sally said.

“It’s a huge effort from all the volunteers to make this show work. There’s people who even book their holidays every year to help in the lead-up to the show and clean up afterwards. There’s an amazing amount of family businesses that, generationally, have used their machines for preparation and then tidy up afterwards.

“Whether it’s running a stall for a charity or being a steward or just helping out at events — it’s great when you see three generations of helpers all there at one event.”

Sally said the experience had been transformational for her daughter and she encouraged other families to get involved.

“Please encourage your daughters to enter — it’s great for their self-esteem and they will blossom because of it,” she said.

“I would like to mention Dr Theresa Craig for starting up and running a new program for teen boys and girls, which Cheeky has been attending, called Trailblazer. It is a mentoring program to build self-esteem, public speaking, community connections, confidence, and learn about agriculture along the way.

“Also, if you’re interested in helping out your community and meeting new friends, contact the Show Society to see if you can help.”

Cheeky & Sally Hopper.

The Hopper family.

Trinity Knezevic, Cheeky Hopper, Ellie Jennings & Georgia Nicholson.