Keiraville stunner Demelza Reveley cried tears of joy when she won Australia's Next Top Model in the final at Luna Park last night.
While the judges vote was split between Demelza, 16, and Sydney university student Alexandra Girdwood, The Illawarra Grammar School student won the people's vote at the live event.
Demelza told the Mercury she was "really excited" and "very shocked" by the win.
"I had no idea (who would win) and I didn't want to think about it, I thought whoever won I would be happy regardless, so the fact that I won is just insane and I am so happy, I can't believe it," she said.
"It has been so long, we have been waiting to find out who would win for so long, it is crazy, so I am so excited that I am finally here and I won."
Last night Demelza celebrated her win at the show's after party in the Taj Mahal Room, inside Luna Park's Big Top surrounded by sporting and television celebrities including Ian Thorpe, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Sophie Faulkner.
"I am going to be partying tonight ... but I won't be drinking though, because I am under age," she said, adding that she was also looking forward to getting to work.
"I am just looking forward to going to New York, I mean and getting back there and seeing the agencies again, I just can't wait to show them my new body and show them that I have worked really hard, so I am really excited," she said.
During the night, which included a live performance by Brian McFadden, Demelza's parents Andrew and Margaret, and sister Tanith, cheered from the sidelines. When Demelza was announced as the winner, the family and their supporters leapt from their seats and embraced each other.
"I have seen them briefly (tonight) but I am sure they are really proud of me," she said.
All 13 finalists returned to the catwalk for a fashion parade during the two-hour broadcast.
Judges Napolean Perdis, Priscilla Leighton and Jonathon Pease all gave their vote to Demelza.
"I'm voting for the future," said Pease. "Demelza, your future is so bright."
Demelza proved to be an ideal character for the reality television program as her story moved from personal lows to triumph.
In earlier episodes of the pay TV reality television series, the TIGS Year 11 student described herself as a "Bitch-keteer" and along with two other Illawarra model hopefuls taunted fellow contestant Alamela Rowan.
The incident led the Illawarra trio to be dubbed the "Dapto Dogs" by judge Charlotte Dawson.
Demelza, 16, later apologised to Alamela for pouring water on her head and confessed that she too had been the subject of bullying while a student at St Mary Star of the Sea College in Wollongong.
"I could understand completely how she was feeling and I just couldn't believe that I had turned around and gone and done what had happened to me," Demelza told the Mercury last week.
On Monday, Alamela's father Peter said he was disgusted that producers had allowed "bully" Demelza to be in the final, saying it sent the wrong message to teenagers.
In a later episode filmed in New York, Demelza was criticised by modelling agents for being too "bottom heavy", spurring her on a two-month intensive nutrition and fitness program with Wollongong's Vision Personal Training Studio.
The weight loss was described as "dangerous" by NSW Premier Morris Iemma and fuelled morning talkback radio.
"It's not a drastic thing, it's not like I am a waif or anything like that," Demelza said at the time.
"It's more about exercise. I haven't really changed my eating habits in any way, I always eat healthy and always have.
"I was happy with my body before but I knew if I wanted to stay in the competition and be in this sort of industry, that I would have to lose weight."
Last week Demelza said she was confident of winning the top title from Alexandra Girdwood.
"I mean, she's 21 now, so she's kind of running out of time to do this and to make it in this industry," Demelza said.
"There is a short shelf-life being a model and that's just the way it is. I'd feel worried if I was in her shoes."
Demelza looks set to follow in the high-heeled footsteps of former Top Model winner Alice Burdeau who has established a successful international modelling career.
Demelza will receive a year's representation by Priscilla's modelling agency, a trip to New York to meet agents, a contract with Napoleon Perdis cosmetics, a fashion shoot with Australian Vogue and a new car.
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