Former Albury schoolgirl Penny McEachern spent her 21st birthday doing what she loves – modelling on the runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival in February. Photo: Supplied.
Penny McEachern laughingly admits she’s the only model she knows with a pilot’s licence.
The former Albury schoolgirl took her first flying lesson when she was 14, flew solo on her 15th birthday and qualified as a private pilot 18 months ago.
But when it comes to flying high, this down-to-earth young woman has also been busy spreading her wings on runways of a very different kind.
She spent her 21st birthday on the catwalk at Melbourne Fashion Festival in February before she heads to Sydney in May to take part in Australian Fashion Week for the first time.
Region caught up with Penny to ask her what it’s like to be a glamorous model who also happens to be studying a Bachelor of Aviation at Melbourne’s Swinburne University, and confesses that she’s actually “really nerdy”!
How did you get into modelling?
Mum and Dad (Megan and Greg McEachern) had no idea I wanted to do it. It started in the backyard when I was about 12 or 13, with a few friends dressing up, taking pictures and posting them to Instagram. The response was really positive and I thought, ‘I could do this for a job’.
I sent my portfolio to Chadwick Models (one of Australia’s top modelling agencies) without telling my parents; the agency contacted me straight away, but asked, ‘Do your parents know you’re doing this?’ When I told Mum and Dad they were a bit shocked but very excited. We went down to Melbourne for an interview and they hired me on the spot. I’ve been with Chadwick ever since.
What’s been the hardest part of becoming a model?
Learning how to walk the walk. It has a real knack to it and at the start I had no idea. You really have to develop your own ‘walk’.
The other thing is learning that rejection is normal. Sometimes you might do a lot of castings for brands you really want but you might not have the look they want … you have to get used to that.
I’ve been really lucky because Chadwick has been so supportive, they really look after you and want the best for you. In the wrong agency, you can be left sitting on the books with no work.
She’s living her dream of being a model, but Penny McEachern says she’s still an ‘Albury girl at heart’. Photos: Supplied.
Do you have a certain style or brands you like?
I absolutely love big dresses – I love wedding dresses – even though they are hard to walk in, but they look so glamorous on the runway. I’m actually super casual at home – I leave me getting dressed up to the professionals!
What are some of your modelling highlights to date?
This was my fourth year doing Melbourne Fashion Festival. It’s one of my favourites because I know most of the models and people behind the scenes. I recently did a Vans campaign for their new super low-profile shoes, which was fun because the whole set was really chill.
In 2023 I also got the opportunity to work in Korea which was crazy, because it all happened really quickly.
What’s your health and beauty routine (and do you have any inside ‘tips’)?
(Laughing) I’m such a bad representation of that. A few years ago, my skin broke out and I had to go on medication so I’ve gone to a really natural skincare routine – just a light QV cleanser and moisturiser. And of course, sun protection every day because I have super light skin.
I like to fit in some sort of movement most days, like Pilates, a walk, or a quick workout. Food-wise it’s pretty simple. I love fresh meals like bowls with chicken, veggies, avocado or salmon – food that makes me feel good and helps keep up my energy during the day.
Do you have a guilty indulgence?
Wine … white wine! I love a good bottle of wine.
What’s a typical day look like for you?
I like starting the day slowly with a coffee and something light like a smoothie or yoghurt. Most days are a mix of appointments, castings or shoots, study and jobs, so I try to keep my mornings pretty productive while I’ve got the most energy. Evenings are usually a bit more relaxed. I love going out for dinner or catching up with friends when I can. Otherwise I’m pretty happy having a quiet night and winding down early.
I’ve been living in Melbourne for the past three years but I go home heaps because I miss Mum and Dad. I’m still an Albury girl at heart.
Penny McEachern is equally at home on the other ‘runway’ she loves – complete with her private pilot’s licence. Photo: Supplied.
How did the whole flying thing come about?
I’ve always loved maths and physics and when I was 14, I had this dream that I wanted to be a pilot. As a family we often fly overseas and I’d be in the plane thinking how does this all work. I asked my parents for a lesson and it went from there. I got my private licence in October 2024 (through Smartair Albury). My parents are amazing and just support me in everything I want to do.
I love modelling but it won’t be there forever. By studying aviation at university I’ll be able to get all my licences and get a job once I graduate.
What’s your advice to young girls out there with big dreams?
Just go for it! It’s so easy to be scared and too often girls get pigeon-holed.
Flying is so challenging but because it’s hard, it’s very rewarding and it makes me feel free. With modelling, you don’t want to be the same as anyone else. So just follow your own path.
