RACHAEL HERRAMAN
It’s that time of year again when girls from all over Australia put on their ball gowns and battle it out for the Miss World Australia crown.
Crown Perth will play host to the national final, which is set to be held later this month.
The annual beauty pageant is not just about looks but also requires entrants to raise money for Charity, through the beauty with a purpose ethos.
Brisbane beauties Jessica Laughton Smith (23), Jordan Paterson (21) and Shannon Louise Penny (24) are three of the eight Queensland finalists chosen to represent the state at the finals.
It’s a second crack at the title for Miss Laughton Smith, who’s had an intense preparation schedule organizing outfits and raising money for Variety, the children’s charity.
“I am a bit nervous but I think it’s important to simply live in the moment and not let nerves get the better of you,” she said.
Miss Paterson has also had a large preparation checklist and said it is hard to prepare completely as every judge is looking for something different.
“I believe if you are showing your true self and love what you are doing, you’ll leave a much bigger impact”, she said.
Also having a second attempt at the title is twenty four year old Shannon Louise Penny who said her experience last time has helped her grow as a person and prepare her better this time round.
“I am looking forward to the national final this year and I’m even more excited to see how the experience this time will shape my personal development in the future” Miss Penny said.
Last years winner Courtney Thorpe, who is also from Brisbane, will be handing over her crown to her successor at the event.
Miss Thorpe said the past year has had its ups and downs but overall the experience has been life changing.
“The past year has been a combination of incredibly tough moments as well as incredibly unforgettable moments,” Miss Thorpe said.
Miss Thorpe competed at the international finals against 120 other contestants in London last December finishing in the top 5 and also received the title Miss World Oceania.
Miss Thorpe said that the year was full of incredible moments and she is sad it is almost over.
“ I am sad and scared to be moving on but I am also excited for what is to come,” the beauty queen said.