Kiyani Simon, Jade Holborow, Sarah Hammond, Brielle Long, Kayla Cavell, Trisha Pearson, Ryan Pearson, Ariella White, Indi Dimon and Jinanli Potter-Bolt were selected at the Aboriginal Model Search competition when it was held in Forster. 

Jade, 22 said she was “shocked” to get through due to her height.

“I'm really short, however I was delighted,” she said. 

“To win the contestants had to speak publicly to the audience and walk the cat walk.”

Jade said at first she found the competition “challenging” but enjoyed overcoming the hurdles with the other contestants. Jade would like to pursue a career in modelling and looks up to American modelling sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid. 

For the next round she will focus on practicing the cat walk, staying positive and remembering to have fun.

Aboriginal Model Search founder Sharlette Townsend said: “In everyday life you don’t see that many indigenous models on the front line of fashion”.

By focusing on public speaking, Sharlette said the competition assists young people discover a higher sense of self belief, self-confidence, and self-esteem.