The former Miss Wagga, who has lived in Australia for the best part of 20 years, faces deportation after an administrative error saw her denied a visa.

Ms Constantine is readying to take her fight to remain in Wagga to the Federal Circuit Court, but the mission will cost her thousands.

Kelly Cross had never met Ms Constantine but was at work one day when she got a call from her mum, who volunteers at Country Hope.

"She phoned me the day Stina got the 30-day notice and because I am in marketing and communications, asked me 'what could we do'," Ms Cross said.

"So I had a big long chat with Stina, and I said 'the community will support you'. So I offered to help her with the communications side and the GoFundMe.

"It was so hard for her to accept help, especially financially."

Ms Cross said it was no surprise the campaign had already surpassed the goal of $10,000 and hit $13,000.

She added the Wagga community was incredibly generous but that Ms Constantine was also very well-loved.

"She is a remarkable human being. She is so selfless. She gives so much to the community," Ms Cross said.

"I am sure we will be friends now for a long time to come."

For more information, go to https://au.gofundme.com/f/help-stina-stay-in-australia.

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