By EMILY ROBINSON
She knew nothing about beauty pageants until just two months ago but country girl Siobhan Liston is learning fast.
The 23-year-old, who is studying an arts and law degree at Deakin University, will be among five entrants selected from 17 state finalists when she represents Victoria in a Miss World Australia National Final later this month.
Siobhan joined fellow Geelong models Brit Fowler and Kim Fyfe to wow judges at the state heat earlier this month.
“It was lovely that there were a few of us,” Siobhan said.
But she will be the only young woman from Geelong to compete for the title of Miss World Australia.
Siobhan, who had the support of family and friends on the day of the state final, described the experience of the competition as “surreal”.
“I had a really enjoyable day.
“Beauty pageants can have an interesting reputation but all of the girls there were really nice.
“We were judged on three sections: the introduction, the evening gown, and the question-and-answer section.”
Siobhan recycled her year 12 formal dress to wear at the pageant then donated the savings to Variety The Children’s Charity.
“You can imagine the price of dresses. I had a dress sitting around that I had, so I recycled it and used the money to put towards the Variety foundation.”
Siobhan, the oldest of four sisters, moved to East Geelong from country New South Wales five years ago to study.
“The last five years have been massive – I went to Sweden on exchange in third year.”
Just last month she sat four law exams and has already returned to university classes after a trimester break.
In her spare time she works for Melbourne’s Brazen Models.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence.”
Siobhan said co-ordinating her busy schedule came down to being organised.
She also credited her family for keeping her “grounded”.
“It sounds cliché but you can always rely on family.”
Siobhan planned to stay abreast of current affairs in preparation for the national finals.
“Miss World is a beauty pageant but it has to be more than that.
“I’ll also be trying to keep fit and healthy.”
Siobhan will represent Victoria at Melbourne’s Crown Towers on 22 July.
The newly crowned Miss World Australia 2016 will then compete at an international competition in Washington DC, USA, on 20 December.
