Sisters from Wreck Bay in the Shoalhaven are among dozens of new entrants in the second annual Illawarra’s Top Model competition for Highlights on Mental Health.
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Kewana and Jinama Whaddy live at Wreck Bay and and will make regular trips to Wollongong for workshops leading up to the heats.
I thought they both had tremendous potential and I really wanted to work with them
- Robyn Te Velde
They were invited to take part in the fundraising initiative by founder Robyn Te Velde.
“These young ladies I met for the first time when I went down to NAIDOC to visit Peter Marx and Clive Freeman. I thought they had tremendous potential and I really wanted to work with them and develop them a little further,” Mrs Te Velde said.
On the first night the Vincentia High students learned about posture and runway technique. Kewana said it was her first time modeling but not her sister.
“I’ve done quite a few things. I have done one model competition before..in Wollongong. I want to do it to get some experience and I think it will be really fun,” Jinama said.
Kewana said many people had encouraged them to enter Illawarra’s Top Model. Both sisters are interested in the fashion and the beauty industry and are keen to help raise funds for mental health. As are other entrants in 2017 such as Aylah Peterson, 17, of Thirroul, Olivia Strunfin, 17, of Dapto, Wyatt Brennan, 17, of Towradgi, Shania Montero, 17, of Albion Park, and Prue Marning, 15, of Fernhill.
All are first time participants except for Ms Marning who was too young to officially enter in 2016. “I was a part of the campaign last year and just loved it so much I wanted to do it again”.
Ms Montero said she had never done modelling before but wanted to raise funds for the mental health clubhouse. Mr Brennan said his parents encouraged him to try modeling and enter. Ms Stunfin sees it as a good cause and a new opportunity.
Ms Peterson has been modeling for two years with Chadwick Models and her mother suggested she get involved in the Illawarra competition.
“It is really close to my heart this cause. It is fun and you get to meet likeminded people. I’ve done catwalks, photoshoots, editorials and magazines. I was aware of this competition last year. I had some friends in it I wanted to join. I know that I can’t win..so I am just in it for fun.”
Further information about the Highlights on Mental Health initiative for 2016 can be found at www.highlightsonmentalhealth.com. Winners to be announced in October.