The two girls’ last eight months of work culminated in success as they were named Miss Wagga 2017 and Community Princess 2017, respectively.

“I’m still pinching myself to be given a special title like that,” Miss Navin said.

“I think I’m definitely still processing it,” Miss Smith said.

Miss Navin, 24, grew up in Wagga and attended Wagga Public and Wagga High schools.

She studied journalism and communication in Wollongong and spent time studying in Sheffield in the United Kingdom before travelling around Europe.

Miss Navin started work at WIN news almost two years ago and will begin her new job as a senior journalist at Prime7 in a week.

Her job reporting on the community and its generosity prompted her to join the quest.

“Being a news journalist has really given me an insight into the community spirit,” she said.

“I have a lot of pride in my city and am really humbled they thought I’d be a good ambassador.”

She said her announcement as Miss Wagga 2017 came as a shock. She joked in her acceptance speech that she and her fiance would have to delay the wedding so she can remain a miss for the rest of her reign.

With next year marking 70 years since the start of the quest, Miss Navin said it was an honour to be crowned after a long line of distinguished winners.

Miss Smith, 22, was born in Junee but completed her schooling in Wagga. She currently works at Commins Hendricks and is studying law and criminology at the University of New England.

Miss Smith was not nervous as she approached Saturday night’s crowning at the Wagga Art Gallery but admits the announcement was a surprise.

“I’m fortunate to get the opportunity to be Community Princess,” she said. “It was a bit of a shock to the system.”

The girls will travel to Wagga’s sister city Leavenworth next year and said they are excited to start their 12 months representing the city.

Miss Smith said outgoing Miss Wagga Melissa McKinnon and Community Princess Megan Short have set the bar very high.