Dubbo's Rachel Wykes is hoping it's third time lucky for her to be given the title of Miss Universe Australia.
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The 21-year-old has been chosen as a NSW state finalist for Miss Universe Australia. On March 8 she'll be judged on her personality, intelligence and presentation to determine if she should make it through to the national finals.
Despite missing out twice already, Ms Wykes said it was such a great experience taking part in the competition she's going to continue to enter until she can no longer do so.
"It's not an environment that makes you feel horrible if you haven't been selected. Being selected to be a NSW sate finalist is a goal within itself. Even if I don't get through you're gaining networking opportunities and confidence within yourself," she said.
"Although it would be lovely if I could go through to the next round."
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Thousands of people submitted a short video and application form for the competition. Ms Wykes said it was the largest number of applicants ever submitted.
From there, 27 state finalists were chosen. Ms Wykes will go up against those women in March to be one of the five or six selected for the finals. Miss Universe Australia will be crowned in Melbourne at the end of June.
When she moved to Sydney 12 months ago to pursue modelling, Ms Wykes said Miss Universe Australia allowed her to meet new people and make friends.
Ms Wykes said she wanted to use Miss Universe Australia to show everyone it's okay to be yourself.
"I'm a goofy bogan from Dubbo and I want to show that to people. You don't have to pretend to be a cookie cutter pageant queen when no one is," she said.
"The girls who have been chosen to represent Australia are just the most beautiful, down-to-earth people and if I could be anything like that it would just be amazing."
As part of the application process, Ms Wykes is raising money for Toybox International.
"Toybox is a charity that supports Australian children who are facing adversity through childhood cancers and sicknesses. The money raised through Toybox is used to purchase vital equipment and therapy for kids in need," she said.
The Miss Universe Australia contestant said she was grateful for any donations, no matter how big or small.
Donations can be made by heading to: https://missuniverseaustralia2019.everydayhero.com/au/rachel-wykes-nsw.
Orlander Ruming
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
