The competition was held at Panthers Port Macquarie on Saturday, March 24.

Fourteen-year-old Montana Callaghan of Harrington, a student at Port Macquarie’s St Columba Anglican School, won the junior category.

Eighteen-year-old, former Port Macquarie high student Drew Miante was crowned the senior winner. The Baskin and Robbins employee has her sights set firmly on an international modelling career.

Both women will now progress to the state finals in Sydney and if successful, will go up against the best in Queensland.

Drew described the competition as a wonderful experience. The senior category featured a catwalk parade of casual, swimwear and formal wear.

“I felt a bit nervous – this was a little different to other (competitions) I have done,” Drew said.

“It was a lot of fun though.”

Young Montana learned a few tricks from her older competitors in her first competition.

“I was really nervous at the start,” she said, adding that she too would love a modelling career abroad.

The competition was organised by Victoria’s Modelling Agency’s Vicki Carnes and Mandy Davidson from Maverique Events. Panthers Port Macquarie was a major sponsor.

The competition involved girls aged 13-19 years old, who live anywhere from Newcastle to Coffs Harbour and out west to Tamworth.  

It was billed as the the largest teen beauty competition in the southern hemisphere.

Ms Carnes said the highly regarded competition has resulted in many young girls following their dreams of walking the runways nationally and internationally in fashion shows, and even going on to careers in acting.