The first six finalists of Illawarra's Top Model will be joined by six more this Saturday when the second heat of the Highlights on Mental Health campaign event is held at the top end of Crown Street Mall from midday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lucy Marron, Lillee Frances, Coco Cignarella, Filip Maravic, Jessica Pinkerton and Kyam Hunt were excited to reach this stage of the competition last weekend and all spoke of how great it was to be in a position to raise awareness about mental health.
To be eligible for the heats they each had to raise more than $500 for the Light & Hope Mental Health Clubhouse which provides support to members who help each other and enjoy social integration.
Recently they have established a garden to grow some of the vegetables they use to prepare the midday meal, and have expanded their housing, educational, employment and social programs.
Event founder Robyn te Velde was very happy with the first heat when 21 hopeful models turned out in pursuit of an international modelling contract.
As was the case last Saturday this weekend's final will be followed by a fashion shoot of the next six finalists by Wollongong photographer Alex Sturman.
Kyam Hunt, 16, of Wollongong High School, said her experience last Saturday was wonderful.
"I have always wanted to get into the modelling side of things," she said.
"I have been doing some small modelling jobs around the place. When I saw this was for a good cause I really wanted to enter and help out. It seemed like a good opportunity and one where I would get lots of experience."
Kyam said she wasn't expecting to finish in the top six. She has never been on a catwalk before.
"I can't wait to see what else happens," she said.
Judges for heat one were former member of Bardot and model Belinda Chapple, Chadwick Models owner and founder Peter Chadwick who will be back this Saturday, Lizzie Wagner, of the Lizzie Wagner Group in the ACT, and Kate Chapman, of Destination Wollongong.
Ms Wagner was so impressed she is planning to come back for the final.
"In comparison to other competitions around Australia this was a very high standard," she said.
After the heats preparation begins for the 12 finalists for the chance to impress international judges on October 10.
The winner will then be announced at the Highlights Ball and Glamour Awards at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach on October 17.
ONLINE GALLERY
illawarramercury.com.au
