Country childhood a boon for model

A finalist in Miss West Coast 2016 says growing up in Geraldton might have helped her get through the first heats in the pageant, which is a preliminary for Miss Universe Australia.

Ebony Walton and fellow Geraldton-born model Kaylee Sturm were among 70 contestants judged at heats at Rottnest Island and Hillarys, earlier this month.

Miss Walton, 21, was among 24 finalists to progress to the State final in Perth on April 8.

The Perth-based fashion model said several fellow finalists were also from the country, which she believed gave them an edge over city counterparts.

“There’s something about country girls that is down-to-earth, relatable, generous, kind and approachable,” she said.

“I think there’s something that sets us apart — perhaps it’s being shaped by the community, which is so tightly knit.

“Everyone knows each other from sport, school and so on.

“It does affect you in a good way.”

The 179cm tall Vivien’s model has worked in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Italy.

She is also studying primary school teaching at Edith Cowan University and wants to help children remain engaged in education and passionate about learning.

Miss Walton said participation in the pageant was a big commitment, required attendance at fitness classes and social and charity events, and was quite different from fashion modelling.

“Modelling isn’t about you — you’re on the runway as a coat hanger really,” she said.

“But the pageant is about how you behave, your personality, your opinions, what you say and do.

“This makes everyone a little bit nervous about the competition.

“There are girls with lots of modelling experience, but this has got a lot to do with you rather than the clothes.”

The experience has helped Miss Walton grow physically, mentally and emotionally.

“I was baking with people at Ronald McDonald House and it helped me realise a lot of people are worse off than me and just how lucky I am,” she said.

“Physically, I’ve gotten into shape and I’ve improved my communication skills.”

Miss Walton said she hoped people in the Mid West would follow her on Instagram (@ebony_walton) to see how she progressed in the competition.

The winner of Miss West Coast and five other contestants will represent WA in the Miss Universe Australia pageant later in the year.

Miss West Coast began in Perth in 1967 as a bikini pageant and ran until 1985. Perth businessman Troy Barbagallo, who owns and operates the Miss Universe WA Preliminary through Pink Tank Events, reintroduced the Miss West Coast brand this year. Mr Barbagallo is also national director of Miss Universe Australia.