Gaby Watkins hands Sapphire City Festival crown over to Kelsie Dodd

The 19-year-old, who works for the Inverell Campus of the Community College Northern Inland, said she was stunned by her win.

“I’m still really surprised. It’s such a big thing for the town and for me as well, and for my work,” she said.

“I’m happy to be the queen. It’s just such an amazing opportunity and it’s going to be so much fun.”

Miss Dodd recently completed a certificate three in business at the college while undergoing a traineeship. She also keeps busy teaching at the Craze Dance studio, and said she loves being an active member of the Inverell community. 

She said her family and work colleagues were very supportive throughout the festival.

Miss Dodd acknowledged that following on from previous queen Gaby Watkins, she had big shoes to fill. She was determined to continue Miss Watkins efforts to be involved in community events year-round. She hoped to see even more ideas put forward on how the queen can remain an active part of community events. 

“Gaby did a fantastic job in her reign as the Sapphire City Festival queen. It was great for her to engage for the whole 12 months of her reigning as the queen,” festival president Paul Harmon said.

“I know Kelsie Dodd, our newly crowned queen, she is as enthusiastic as Gaby. I think we’re set up for a fantastic 12 months,” he added.

Miss Dodd she enjoyed getting to know her fellow queen entrants; Ashlee Walker, Abby Fittler and Breanna Mason, and said they proved to be tough competition. 

“They were such lovely girls as well, and I’m really glad that I got to do it with them,” she said.

“I wish them all the best in the future.”

Although she found the attention her new royal status afforded a little strange, Miss Dodd thoroughly enjoyed the festival finale. 

“It was really good. There was lots of people there, so that was good,” she said.