Katelyn Mills has put Leeton on the map in more ways than one. Photo: Melissa Barton.
The only female electrician in her Leeton TAFE class has added another string to her bow by becoming a national finalist in an international beauty pageant.
Katelyn Mills, 22, is in the running to become Miss World after becoming one of just 10 women from NSW to be selected to compete for the Australian title.
“As part of the selection process, they ask us to submit a talent video,” she said.
“Most girls send a video of themselves singing or dancing. I sent them a video of myself stripping cables and testing a switchboard. That helped get me through to the finals.
“Every country hosts its own version of this competition and they select one winner to represent their nation in the international final.
“The organisers told me it was great to see someone from a rural area, as the majority are from big cities.”
Ms Mills lives in Griffith with her partner and works as a third-year apprentice sparkie for Casella Winery. She is following in her father’s footsteps in her profession and said she wants to break stereotypes about female tradies.
“A lot of girls think you have to sacrifice being a girl to do a trade,” she said.
“But you can work hard in a job and come home and do a beauty pageant as a hobby.
“Nobody expected me to achieve this, because I’m a tradie. I’ve had a lot of teasing from the boys at work, who mean well.”
Sparkie by day, pageant contestant by night. Photo: Melissa Barton.
The Miss World Australia competition is organised by Variety, a global education charity that supports disadvantaged children.
Ms Mills said she answered lots of questions online, submitted a portfolio of photos and videos and did an interview by Zoom to get selected.
“As part of the process, I have to raise funds to support the Variety charity. That’s great, as helping children is a passion of mine. I see kids where I live who are unable to access medical services in their own town.”
The 22-year-old said there were many facets to Miss World, but she would not have to parade around in a swimsuit and compete with others.
“It’s more than a beauty pageant; it’s using beauty for a purpose – to support people in need,” she said.
“There’s also a fitness challenge, where you have to train, do cardio and show your level of fitness.”
Griffith photographer Melissa Barton took the glamour shots. Photo: Melissa Barton.
Ms Mills is looking forward to meeting her competition.
“There’s some really cool chicks doing it. One girl from Queensland is an airforce pilot – imagine all the girls being that sort of standard,” she said.
“In June, we have a meeting to have professional headshots and portrait shots. The winner is announced in November. If you win, you’re Miss World Australia for a year and you go away to another country to compete with the world. The event is in India this year.”
