Ashlee Mouat could be representing Taylors Lakes at the Miss World Australia competition. 82580 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By LAURA WAKELY
TAYLORS Lakes teen Ashlee Mouat is ready to take on the world.
The 17-year-old is a front runner for the people’s choice in this year’s Miss World Australia.
Ashlee decided to enter the competition after finding out it was a way of raising money for 65 Roses, a charity that helps raise awareness and research funds for cystic fibrosis.
“My best friend has cystic fibrosis,” Ashlee said.
“I’ve seen the work that charity has done specifically.
“When it (charity) comes from something that’s affected you it drives you to help that charity.”
After a rigorous entry process, that involved interviews via phone and video-link, Ashlee made it to the top 100.
While she does have hopes of becoming an actress and model some day, beauty pageants were never on the agenda.
“I thought I’d enter and see what happens,” Ashlee said. “It’s more about charity, beauty with a purpose.”
If she’s successful, Ashlee will travel to Uluru to vie for the chance to represent Australia at the international Miss World crowning in Mongolia.
But for now, she’s focusing on raising money and getting the votes required.
So far, she’s raised $2500 for 65 Roses and is leading the people’s choice with more than 66,000 votes.
“I can’t believe I’ve gotten this far,” she said.
To vote for Ashlee visit www.missworld-australia.com and follow the links to the People’s Choice entry. Voting closes Wednesday 20 June.
