Miss World Australia’s Magnolia inspiring pageant diversity

May 31, 2016 9:31pm

Lou ParkerThe Daily Telegraph

Magnolia Maymuru is taking the Australian modelling industry by storm.

This year has been the first of many things for stunning young model Maminydjama Maymuru, aka “Magnolia”, who is set to represent the Northern Territory at this year’s Miss World Australia.

Not only is the competition a first for the petite 19-year-old, but it’s also a first for the Northern Territory, with Magnolia the only Aboriginal woman to have ever represented the state in a pageant.

Magnolia Maymuru will represent the Northern Territory at Miss World Australia this year. Picture: Magnolia Maymuru/Facebook

The life changing opportunity has opened up a whole new world for the black haired beauty, who is sharing her new experiences with fans on social media, including her first ever photoshoot and TV interview.

And there’s plenty more firsts to come for Magnolia, especially if she wins the national Miss World crown, as she would be the only indigenous woman to ever do so.

The stunner proves she’s a natural in front of the camera. Picture: Magnolia Maymuru/Facebook

The model supports young people achieving their dreams. Picture: Magnolia Maymuru/Facebook

Earlier this month the pageant princess told BuzzFeed Australia that part of her reason for entering the competition was to break down barriers and encourage young people to follow their dreams.

“The main reason why I agreed to do it is that I don’t want to do it just for myself, I want to do it for young people all over Australia. That means black or white. I grew up both ways, the Yolngu way, and the balanda way, which is the white man’s way, the western way,” Magnolia said.

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Magnolia says she’s doing it for the kids.

“I want to do this for all the young kids. To instil in them the belief and inspiration that anything is possible if you continue to do it and you work hard.”

Which is something that’s backed by Miss World Australia director and former Miss Universe Australia titleholder, Deborah Miller, who has been calling for more diversity in the pageant for years.

“Miss World Australia’s mission is beauty with a purpose,” Deborah writes on the company’s website.

Magnolia says with hard work anything is possible.

The teen is studying business while trying her hand at modelling.

The beauty queen contender grew up 600 kilometres from Darwin in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land, and was first asked to model two years ago, but declined opting to finish school first.

Currently Magnolia is campaigning to raise money for Variety Childrens Charity Northern Territory, and will host an event on June 8 for the cause — later this year the teen will take to the catwalk in October for NT Fashion Week.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/miss-world-australias-magnolia-inspiring-pageant-diversity/news-story/54531606c34e08655e8d958eb5479712