Samantha Hodgins turned to the pageant world with a vision to become more confident.
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She was suffering from depression after an abusive childhood and was looking for a way to put herself out in the community and help others.
With the Black Dog Institute behind her, she has become a Ms Earth Australia national finalist and next week will vie for the chance to be named Ms Earth Australia – an accolade that would send her to Las Vegas to compete on the world stage.
The 27-year-old is determined to create a better future for her community and said pageants were the missing link she had been looking for.
“When we put the sash on and the crown we get a platform to say our message,” she said.
“Most people don’t realise when you’re older the slightest thing can trigger you.
“I’ve used [the pageant] as a platform to get my message out.”
Ms Hodgins, of Tarro, found herself in the pageant world in 2015 after she learned anyone could do it.
“The pageants have helped with my confidence, my partner is very supportive and my kids are very supportive,” she said.
“I felt a big confidence boost.
“It’s about the friendship and the fun – we are not as competitive as they are overseas.
“Pageants get a really bad wrap, we’re all really supportive of each other … we all help each other.”
Ms Hodgins will be interviewed by a judging panel in Melbourne on March 4 and then model formal wear and eco wear in front of a crowd before the winner is crowned.
In the eco section entrants have to wear an outfit that has been made from recycled materials, or bought from an op shop.
Every entrant will be asked to speak briefly about their eco outfit.
Ms Hodgins has designed her own outfit and hand-sewn a lot of it. She wasn’t giving away any details ahead of the unveiling at the event.
Ms Earth Australia also has a Mrs Earth Australia category. Both sections are looking for women over the age of 21 who are well-rounded, confident, intelligent and committed to family, community and country.
The entrants will be assessed on their poise, inner-beauty, confidence and sincerity as well as their contribution to a charity of their choice and community involvement.
“It’s all about conservation and helping the earth,” Ms Hodgins said.