Second time crowned
ONE of its longest running traditions of the Gladstone Harbour Festival is the Jubilee Queen Quest. This year's queen quest came with a twist when former entrants were invited to re-enter.
"Being that this is the 50th Gladstone Harbour Festival, we wanted to make this particular event a little special," event organiser Ashleigh Smith said.
The ruling 2011 queen Helena Saint took this opportunity to put her name in the running for the second time around.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my role and have been encouraged and supported by several community members to re-enter the quest, and there is more I would like to accomplish." she said in a previous interview with the Observer.
On Sunday night Helena was re-crowned as the 2012 Jubilee Queen for the 50th anniversary of the Gladstone Harbour Festival.
"It's very exciting, a bit overwhelming," she said.
"I didn't expect it at all."
The quest for the queen was judged on personality and presentation through an interview process that was held last Friday.
There were a total of seven entrants which was a new record for the Jubilee Queen Quest.
"We all got on really well," Ms Saint said.
This year's prizes included two chances to win a holiday and hundreds of dollars worth of gift vouchers.
"I'm very very excited," she said.
"After being the Gladstone regional ambassador for a year, my confidence and passion to promote this region has grown enormously and there is so much more that I would like to accomplish," she said.
The 2012 Jubilee Queen Quest winner wants to get involved in heavily promoting Gladstone as a tourist destination.
"I love its location, the opportunities available and the community spirit," she said.
"Also, with more people working in Gladstone I would like to promote and encourage them to become a part of our community and embrace all that the region has to offer."
Ms Saint said she has some big ideas about tourism and economic development in the region.
