FINDING the confidence to step outside her comfort zone, 21-year-old Dalyellup woman Ashlee Humphries discovered she could be a role model to other girls in the Noongar community.
Miss Humphries entered an empowering leadership program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Perth which saw her take home one of the four awards in the competition.
The Miss Naidoc competition is for women between the ages of 18 and 30 who want to increase their confidence and gain leadership skills.
On the night the girls paraded in casual and formal wear and went home with a profile of photos taken by a professional photographer.
Ms Humphries did not expect to win anything and said it was a nice surprise to take home the Miss Kworbaduk award, which means beautiful in Noongar language.
The competition was about more than just winning for Miss Humphries – it has spurred her on to brainstorm her next project.
She now plans on looking at ways to encourage other Noongar girls in Bunbury to apply for the competition and build their confidence.
“The shame factor is big in aboriginal culture and girls can be very self-conscious, I want the younger Noongar girls to see that they can do this as well and I want to be a role model in the community,” Ms Humphries said.
Growing up Miss Humphries was known as the shy, reserved girl but since leaving school she has taken on a government traineeship and been overseas.
She not only gained confidence but also made some new friendships and met girls from all over the state.
Visit the Miss NAIDOC Perth page on Facebook for more information.