A MORISSET woman who founded a charity for homeless people and who has worked to assist drought-stricken farmers has been crowned Ms Australia International.
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Michelle Fleming, a single mother of three, founded Homeless Donations NSW Inc, in 2013, after finding herself homeless for a short time in 2007.
She runs the charity with her three children - two of whom are teenagers.
A fundraiser for the charity was ‘HUGS for our Homeless’ - HUGS being an acronym for hats, underwear, Gatorade and sunscreen.
Ms Fleming staged 14 events to raise funds and awareness of homeless people and struggling farmers in the lead-up to the title.
She said she felt proud and blessed to have won.
"I worked so hard to achieve my goals and be a voice for my platforms," Ms Fleming said.
"Exhilaration and pure joy set in watching my children's excitement as they watched their mum crowned.
"When the crown was placed on my head it was an achievement not only for myself but for all those who believed in me and supported my journey including my farmers and homeless friends."
Finalists were assessed in an interview, then for their charity work. They strutted the catwalk in fitness wear, fun fashion, and evening wear.
The interview counted for 30 per cent of each finalist's score.
Fitness wear, fun fashion and evening gown categories each counted for 20 per cent of a finalist's score, and an on-stage question section counted for 10 per cent.
An additional 20 bonus points was available for those finalists who had "been active in their community and located sponsors".
Ms Fleming said she designed her fun fashion outfit with the help of dressmaker Alexis Dearlove, of Tiny Dancer Design, in Bonnells Bay.
She thanked her sponsors, which included Acumon Accounting, Ariat Australia, and Artego Australia.
The pageant also saw winners crowned in the Mrs, Miss and Miss Teen Australia International categories.
"Unlike pageants that focus mainly on beauty, this contest emphasises the talents, the accomplishments, the personalities, and the societal contributions of its participants," the Australian International Pageant website said.
"To be crowned Ms Australia International 2019 comes with responsibility," Ms Fleming said.
"I will continue to engage in raising awareness for my platforms and help bring hope into the heart and lives of our farmers and homeless friends. I will be working on bringing change in our society and our country surrounding my platforms."
She said it was important to be a positive role model and to inspire and empower others along the way.
Being the title holder would involve travelling, appearances and fundraising, she said.
Ms Fleming will travel to the USA with the pageant's Team Australia in July.
"I have an amazing opportunity to attend homeless shelters and see the impact homelessness has in another country whilst taking my knowledge and experiences to share across the nation," she said.
