For Lacey Toews, a recent trip to Emerald offered more than a chance to visit Altona’s sister city—it became an experience of cultural exchange, adventure and personal growth.
The reigning Sunflower Queen recently returned from spending a week in the Australian community, where she was hosted by local families as part of the longstanding relationship between the two communities.
“We were welcomed with open arms,” Toews said. “It was just an amazing experience.”
The visit included a packed itinerary designed to showcase the region and its industries. Among the highlights were tours of a coal mine and cotton farm, sapphire fossicking at a heritage mine, and swimming beneath waterfalls in the Queensland landscape.
The waterfall excursion stood out as a favourite.
“That was definitely one of my highlights,” Toews said. “It was so beautiful.”
The exchange also deepened a friendship with her Australian counterpart, the Emerald festival queen, whom Toews first met when the Australian delegation visited Altona during the Sunflower Festival last summer.
“It was like two worlds colliding, but at the same time we just clicked,” she said. “We became best friends.”
Beyond the sightseeing, Toews said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for embracing opportunities.
“If you have an experience you can take, take it,” she said. “Do it.”
She said being immersed in a different culture—from meeting local residents to seeing daily life in rural Australia—was eye-opening.
“Everything’s different—the people, the culture, the way they do things,” Toews said. “It was really cool to experience all of that.”
The trip also pushed her outside her comfort zone. During the visit, Toews delivered multiple speeches and read a formal letter at events, something she admitted she initially felt nervous about.
“But once I was doing it, it came naturally,” she said.
The role of Sunflower Queen has helped build confidence in areas such as public speaking and connecting with people, Toews added.
“There’s been a lot of growth.”
Now nearing the end of her reign, Toews is reflecting on a year marked by travel, community events and mentorship.
She points to the opening of last summer’s Sunflower Festival, including the traditional fashion show and dance performances, as a personal highlight, along with taking part in community events such as the winter carnival.
“It’s been so good just connecting with people,” said Toews.
Another rewarding part of the role has been mentoring younger girls through the Sunflower program, including recent activities with Grade 6 students.
“I really enjoy connecting with younger girls,” Toews said.
Toews shared that encouragement from past queens and organizers helped shape her journey, particularly in pushing past self-doubt.
“You don’t think you can do it going into it,” she said. “But you just have to expand your mindset and believe you can.”
She credits former queens and mentors with helping her see the personal growth the program can foster.
Her own journey to the crown began as a childhood dream.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I always looked up to the princesses and queens,” she said, noting that though she drifted from the idea for a time, encouragement from a coordinator led her to enter the program. “I’m so glad I did.”
As her reign winds down, Toews still has several commitments ahead, including last week’s fundraising quiz night, dance practices, mentorship activities, and preparations tied to this summer’s festival.
Looking beyond her term, she hopes to continue travelling—something her Australian adventure has only strengthened.
For now, she’s focused on enjoying the final months of her reign and making the most of what remains.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Toews said. “It’s been such a positive experience.”
