Kimberley Girl builds confidence for WA youth

More than 800 people attended the catwalk show at the Goolarri Amphitheatre in Broome for the tenth Kimberley Girl competition, created to support leadership and self-confidence among Indigenous girls in the region.

The annual event is the culmination of four weeks of professional development, leadership mentoring and modelling training for the 25 participants from communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

This year’s show featured a 1920’s themed set, live music, dancing and a parade of past Kimberley Girl winners.

Presented by Goolarri Media Enterprises, Kimberley Girl operates as a leadership and development programme targeted at Indigenous youth.

Twelve girls were selected as finalists and Jarlyn Spinks from Looma Community was crowned Kimberley Girl 2013.

Second runner-up Chantelle Shadforth from Beagle Bay, said she was nervous when she first joined Kimberley Girl but that her confidence grew after the initial week of workshops and she really enjoyed her experience.

Chantelle said she wanted to be a role model for young girls in her community and would definitely encourage people to take part in future Kimberley Girl competitions.

“Don’t be afraid; go for it. It is just one experience and once you have that then you are not afraid to go for anything,” she said.

“Don’t be shame. Start changing your life, because all you have to do is believe in yourself!”