Pageant celebrates 10-year milestone
Two Kununurra teenagers enticed crowds on the catwalk at the weekend, taking out awards at the tenth annual Kimberley Girl event.
Jordeana Howard, 16, was awarded most photogenic while Georgia Powers, also 16, took out the people's choice category determined by online voting.
Jarlyn Spinks from Looma Community north of Broome was crowned the overall 2013 Kimberley Girl.
Unearthing beauties from around the region, organiser Kira Fong said it was special for the event to celebrate its 10th year in 2013.
Former top model, Ms Fong harboured a desire to empower young indigenous women from the moment she arrived in Broome a decade ago.
But nothing could have prepared her for the success which came with establishing her ground-breaking program Kimberley Girl.
What started out as a vision to offer young Aboriginal women the tools to become confident individuals pursuing their dreams has blossomed into an unstoppable force propelling hundreds of girls into the spotlight, changing their lives dramatically.
Three hundred girls from different backgrounds have grasped the unique opportunity to empower themselves and use the program as a launching pad to new and exciting endeavours.
"I thought how amazing it would be to showcase these girls, to give them confidence and self-esteem so they can get up on the catwalk," she said.
"The first year we did it, the community was doubtful.
"Now 10 years on, it's a completely different story and it's great. The community has just embraced it."
The inaugural show centred on a catwalk, with a one-day workshop for participants.
It quickly morphed into a program promoting personal and professional development through rigorous workshops.
Kununurra participant Emma McNeil registered in 2007 after reaching a crossroads in her life.
"I kind of felt lost ... I felt like I was supposed to play a bigger role in life," she said.
"I wasn't quite sure whether modelling was something for me as I grew up playing lots of sports and, with only a brother, I felt like I was too much of a tomboy.
"I think I was looking to find me, my inner ambitions to make a change, and that's exactly what had happened."
She went on to become the 2007 Kimberley Girl.
Kimberley Girl results
Kimberley Girl Winner: Jarlyn Spinks, Looma Community
Runner-up: Molly Shadforth, Djarindjin Community
2nd Runner-up: Chantelle Shadforth, Beagle Bay
Public Choice: Georgia Powers, Kununurra
Facilitators' Choice: Tannielle McHugh, One Arm Point
Most Photogenic: Jordeana Howard, Kununurra
Golden Pearl Leadership Award: Candice Skinner, Looma Community
Kununurra teenager Georgia Powers was one of two East Kimberley girls to win an award at the annual Kimberley Girl competition. The 16-year-old claimed the people’s choice award while fellow Kununurra girl Jordeana Howard was named most photogenic. Picture: Michael Torres
