The first heat will be held at the top end of the mall near Wollongong Central on Saturday.

More than 150 entries were received and 50 models, including a small group of males, will take to the catwalk over the next two weekends.

It is all part of the fundraising campaign for Highlights on Mental Health.

Each model has had to raise $500 for the Light & Hope Mental Health Clubhouse to be eligible to compete on the red carpet "runway" in Crown Street Mall.

The first heat starts at noon on Saturday and will be followed by the announcement of six finalists.

After the heats over the next two Saturdays, 12 models will go on to the Illawarra's Top Model Finals on October 10.

Event organiser Robyn te Velde said the opportunity of a lifetime was up for grabs for aspiring models throughout the state.

"The winner will be treated to an all expenses paid return trip to Europe, incorporating placement with a leading EU agency," Mrs te Velde said.

Six finalists announced at each heat will also be the subject of a Shoot the Model opportunity. Mrs te Velde said this involved a fun total styling makeover at 2pm in Wollongong Central straight after each heat.

The theme of the challenge is "Anything Goes".

The Illawarra's Top Model and Shoot The Model photographic competition for all interested photographers ends with an awards presentation at the Highlights Ball and Awards Night on Saturday, October 17.

Today is the last day for professional, amateur and student photographers to enter the Shoot the Model competition for the Highlights on Mental Health fundraising campaign.

Highlights committee member Janine Cullen said photographers were encouraged to make their entry fun and creative work.

Mrs Cullen said $3000 in cash prizes were up for grabs and the subject of the photo did not strictly have to be a model.