MISS WORLD AUSTRALIA 2010!

Looking back over the 3 days of Miss World Australia...

The three days of Miss World Australia 2010, from Sunday 31 July - Tuesday 2 August, created a rollercoaster of emotions for me. It was a wonderful three days, however I went through happiness, excitement, sadness, insecurity, nervousness and everything else.

We arrived on Sunday morning in Newcastle, at the Grand Mecure Hotel and Apartments, owned by John Waterhouse, one of the business partners of Miss World Australia. The apartments are beautiful, and very spacious. My room was beautiful, with an ensuite, walk-in closet and king sized bed.

In the afternoon we went to the Lord Mayor's Reception Room to meet the Lord Mayor, John Tate and his lovely wife. I really enjoyed the event; I introduced all the girls and then we had afternoon tea and spoke with all the people there.

In the evening we all got dressed up and went to the top floor of the Grand Mecure for our etiquette dinner. It was great fun, and their was such a lovely community atmosphere amongst the group. We all headed off to bed to get some sleep before our second day.

The next day the girls had to get up early for the fitness judging. Instead of attending this, I went for a walk with the lovely judge from Canberra, Diana Ryan, along the water's edge. It was beautiful; the wind was strong but it was so refreshing.

Then in was time for the interviews; one of the most nerve-racking parts of the competition. One by one, the girls came into the room for their interview with all the judges. It was so interesting to find out more about each girl and their background. They are all so strong and what they have done in their lives is amazing. It truly made me love them all; they are an amazing group of very special girls.

After the interview judging we all got changed and met downstairs to go to the Manly Sea Eagles versus the Newcastle Knights game. We got into the Hummers (one of them was pink!) and pumped up the music and headed to the stadium. I had a great time. I loved that we were doing something different at the Miss World Australia Final. It was cold and windy but so much fun! We lined up on the field and some of us were interviewed and then we headed back to the hotel for dinner and to talk about the next day...

The next day began early. We packed our suitcases, jumped in the cars, and headed back to Sydney to the North Sydney Leagues Club.

Once there we set ourselves up in the change rooms and the hair competition began. The hair dressers did an amazing job with all of the girls and they all looked so beautiful.

We then had the swimsuit judging and talent judging. I love watching the talent judging as it shows what each girl loves, and how they are all so different and special. The afternoon went very quickly. Throughout the whole day I was feeling so up and down. I got agitated, and then sad and insecure about myself, then relaxed and then excited for the show.

While the girls were rehearsing the judges went to discuss everything. It was all so hard. It is so horrible there can only be one winner. The girls had all worked so hard and they were all so amazing I found it heart-breaking to help with the judging.

We all had dinner and then prepared for the show.

I was getting exciting. Once I had put my dress on, and done my hair and makeup I felt ready to go. The girls were so excited and I headed out to the auditorium to take my place at the judging table. The show started, and I looked behind me to where my mum and brother, Ollie and friend from Oasis, Asher were sitting along with my lovely little friend, Sophie Delizio and her family and I felt so happy. It was magical. I was surrounded by an audience full of new friends, old friends and my family. What more could a girl want. My wonderful year was finishing with an evening of family, friends and fun.

The show went by in a blur. One of my favourite moments was in the break when Laura (who was Miss Illawarra 2008) and I took Sophie Delizio and another beautiful girl Rosanna backstage to meet all the girls. All the Miss World girls and Sophie and Rosanna loved it, and it was very special to me.

It doesn't really matter what else I have accomplished this year, as long as I have been able to create a little bit of happiness in the lives of others. That's what's most important.

Then it was time for the awards and crowning. An extra congratulations to...

Chloe Sargent - Fitness Award
Mietta Gornall - Healthy Body Image Award
Claudia Vannithone - Communications Award
Bronya Fraser Hills - Social Skills and Etiquette Award
Ashleigh Francis - Poise and Presence Award
TJ Viney - Talent Award
Nina Cass - Beauty with a Purpose Award
Mietta Gornall - Dress designers Award

Mietta Gornall - Miss World Australia 2010 Runner up

and finally... Ashleigh Francis - MISS WORLD AUSTRALIA 2010

I know Ashleigh will be a wonderful Miss World Australia and I'm very excited for her. I know she will have a wonderful time at the International Miss World Competition and I'm there for her if she needs anything. In fact, I'm there for the girls if any of them ever need anything. I love them all!