Maree is Miss Naidoc Perth

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Maree is Miss Naidoc Perth

by Natacha Petersen

M

aree Ansey (pictured), a 25-year-old Yawuru, Kurrijurri and Torres Strait Islander woman from Broome has been crowned Miss NAIDOC Perth 2013 last night Saturday 25 May at the City West Reception Centre, Leederville. A smiling Maree was ecstatic about taking out the title.

“Wow, what an amazing night!

To be crowned Miss NAIDOC Perth 2013 is such an honor. I encourage all young, beautiful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to enter next year, because if I can do it, you can do it,” said Maree.

Runner-up Miss NAIDOC Perth was Jade Dolman, an 18-year-old Noongar / Arrernte woman and currently studying Sport Science at UWA. “I can’t believe this whole experience. Starting from when I filled out my application form till this night. I have had one of the best times of my life,” said Jade.

Mikayla King, an 18-year-old Kalkadoon woman who works as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer for the Department of Education took out the title of Miss Kworbudok, which means ‘beautiful’ in Noongar. Miss Kworbudok was peer selected by the girls themselves, which impressed Mikayla.

“I feel ever so honored to be Miss Kworbudok 2013. I can’t wait to get out into the community with the other girls. The Miss NAIDOC program was too deadly! We need more of this in our community”, said Mikayla.

Teresa Moore, an 18-year-old Noongar Yamatji woman won the fourth award, Miss Photogenic.

“Never be afraid of taking chances and believing. Believe in what you love,” she said.

Photographer Carlo Fernandes, who did a professional shoot with the girls at Mira Studios in Bassendean on Sunday 19 May selected the winner of Miss Photogenic.

Perth based performers were part of the itinerary of the event hosted by Noongar actress and dancer, Karla Hart. As well as being entertained by the girls modeling in Kaninda Designs and formal wear, guests received canapés, drinks and were entertained by some of Perth’s most inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists

including traditional dance by girls group Maladji Koolyir, the Saint Georges College Barber Shop and Motown Tribute, the Merindas.

As part of the Miss NAIDOC Perth Program in the lead up to last night’s crowning, the girls participated in seven mentoring sessions (which included modeling and deportment) with NAIDOC Perth Committee members and top model Shannon McGuire of the David Wirrpanda Association.

Shannon rose to fame in 2005 when she won third place on Page 1

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Fox8’s Australia’s Next Top Model and competed in Miss Universe Australia in 2008.

The girls also did a professional photo with Carlo Fernando. Those photos and the girl’s bios about their aspirations were posted on the Miss NAIDOC Perth Facebook page on Thursday 23 May. The photos and news stories about young Aboriginal women were extremely popular and went viral on Facebook. The most popular on Miss NAIDOC Perth’s Facebook page was 22-year-old Sheldon Garlett, whose profile received over 640 likes and 20 shares, and over 200 likes and 16 shares on the NAIDOC Perth Facebook page.

This was closely followed by Miss Photogenic Teresa Moore, whose profile has almost 600 likes and nearly 40 shares.

Other participants included Page 2

18-year-old Youth Sports Ambassador, Hayley Thompson, 18-year-old Geography student Zoe Moir, actress and flute player Amy Smith and qualified Youth Worker Karen Kelly.

This is the third year that NAIDOC Perth has managed the growing event, which is a resurrection of Miss NAIDOC pageants held in Perth over 15 years ago. NAIDOC Perth Chairperson and Miss NAIDOC Perth Working Group Convener Glenda Kickett was really pleased with the night.

“It was a fantastic night. It’s inspiring to see our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and what they are doing in our community. They are truly inspirational and their families should be very proud of them, as are we. Congratulations to Maree, we know she will be a great

ambassador for Miss NAIDOC Perth. She fills all the qualities that we were looking for and has huge leadership potential.

Congratulations also Jade Dolman, a young lady with huge potential who surprised us all on the night with her fantastic public speaking.

Mikyalya was also a very deserving Miss Kwobarduk. She is a beautiful natured girl who is always positive and I can see why the girls picked her as Miss Beautiful. And finally we’re really happy that Teresa took out Miss Photogenic. She is a very beautiful young lady. For all our girls, we want this experience to help them develop their confidence, self-esteem and poise. The competition and the way we do it allows that to develop and for them to shine on the night. That came out very strongly last night,” said Glenda.