Extravagant frocks, vintage cars and some of the city’s brightest and most-talented women lined up to hear who would be crowned Miss Wagga 2019.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stina Constantine and Presslea Cowan will work with local leaders, businesses and charities to help pioneer philanthropic efforts across the city after being named as the new Miss Wagga and Community Princess, respectively.
“Having watched the quest for many years, fear was what held me back from entering,” Ms Constantine said.
“Fear of whether the quest would welcome someone who looked like me.
“Whether the wider community would consider it appropriate for someone who did not fit into a neat cultural and ethnic box to enter an ambassadorial quest.”
A ballroom dancer, a family liaison officer at Country Hope and an employee at Relationships Australia, Ms Constantine did not let her fear hold her back and after being crowned, said she felt “humbled”.
“This was not about the crown or a sash – it was about making a community difference,” she said.
Soldier Presslea Cowan said she felt overwhelmed after being named Community Princess.
“It’s a rollercoaster of feelings,” she said.
“I really hope to get amongst the community next year and mentor some young women.
“I have been in the army for six years. It’s very different because I am not in my gear, I am in a dress.”
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said in the wake of White Ribbon Day, the crowning provides a timely reminder.
“I don’t think it’s ever been more important to support, empower, respect and honour young women who are leaders and will be leaders of our community,” he said.
Miss Wagga Quest chairman, Larry Buete, said the entrants were different women compared to the beginning of the journey.
“The Quest is so much more than becoming Miss Wagga or Community Princess, it is truly a unique experience, a Wagga Wagga tradition that we must cherish and continue to develop, to remain relevant in our modern society,” he said.
In her speech, Miss Wagga 2018 Zoe Martin said she continues to be astounded by the support the local community provides.
“Each adventure in Wagga has led to my next and l cannot be more thankful for the thrilling ride my year with a crown has been,” she said.
