Wollongong firefighters came to the "rescue" yesterday as Illawarra's Top Model entrants set the city centre alight with winter fashions from Black Pepper in Wollongong Central.
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The aspiring models turned up the heat as the call went out for more entrants as part of the Highlights on Mental Health campaign.
The winner, to be announced in October, will win a modelling contract in Europe.
The competition is one of three fundraising activities aimed at raising awareness on mental health in the Illawarra in support of the Light and Hope Clubhouse in Wollongong.
Robyn David te Velde said there were already more than 10 entrants and one of the first to register had already raised more than $500 for the mental health clubhouse.
She said no previous modelling experience was required to enter as the judges were looking for a fresh look.
Mrs te Velde said one of the Mental Health ambassadors, 17-year-old Towradgi model Kirra Jones, had just landed in Europe for the Berlin fashion shows.
"This is an example of the untapped talent in the Illawarra just waiting to be discovered," she said.
"And here is a real opportunity through Illawarra's Top Model."
Another successful local model Michaela Swamy, who is making a modelling comeback after university, has signed on as the second ambassador for 2015.
Among the entrants for Illawarra's Top Model are Angelina Simoes, Amalia Tavernese, Elizabeth Lamacchia and Coco Cignarella.
Highlights on Mental Health supporters and models will be available this Saturday and Sunday and next weekend at Wollongong Central and Crown Street Mall to provide information and help anyone wanting to enter.
All entrants registering at the Illawarra's Top Model information desk in Wollongong Central will be in the draw for a $500 shopping voucher to be drawn on July 12 at 2pm.
Mrs te Velde said she was flying to Europe on Monday to join Ms Jones as she launches her career as an aspiring supermodel.
She said Ms Jones was signed up under her son Paul James Hay's modelling agency, CORE Artist Management, and looked forward to seeing her hit the big time on the Europe runway following the Berlin shows.