Model prepares for national pageant

Vivien’s model Ebony Walton will continue to work on self-confidence and public speaking skills in preparation for the Miss Universe Australia pageant later in the year.

The Geraldton-born beauty, who is studying to be a primary school teacher, was among 24 women in the Miss West Coast final at Matisse Beach Club, Perth, on April 8.

Caris Tiivel was named Miss West Coast and Ms Walton, Rebecca Mountford, Olivia Stanley, Meagan Smith and Olivia Donaldson were chosen to join her in representing WA at Miss Universe Australia in September.

Ms Walton said it had been exciting and an honour to be chosen to represent WA and she was already preparing for the national competition.

“There were so many incredible girls that had made the top 24 that I really didn’t expect it, but I am so grateful to be given this opportunity,” Ms Walton said.

“I’d like to continue to improve on my confidence in front of crowds, my public speaking and, of course, I will continue my fitness routine.”

She described the final as a “fantastic” and fast-paced evening and she was grateful not to make mistakes with the catwalk routines or public speaking. She said she hoped to be more relaxed in the national final.

“I would just like to enjoy the experience a bit more and take everything in,” Ms Walton said.

She thanked Geraldton locals for their support and donations for her fundraising project for Toy Box International.

The participants were judged over several rounds including swimsuit and evening wear presentations and a question and answer session. Ms Walton said the latter was the most difficult part of the night because it was unrehearsed.

“I was asked, if I could say anything to terrorists, what would I say? Fortunately, I didn’t mumble, stutter or pause. I just answered the question, saying something along the lines of terrorism is terrible and I hope that they would stop what they are doing and find a more peaceful solution to their problems,” she said.

Miss West Coast bikini pageant began in Perth in 1967 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 in 2016.

Mr Barbagallo is also national director of Miss Universe Australia.