“It has been 16 years since the last Moree Miss NAIDOC Princess Ball. I believe it’s time to re-introduce it into our community and give Aboriginal females an event to look forward to,” Embrace director and NAIDOC Princesses’ organiser Blossom Pitt said.

Though, as Blossom pointed out, this isn’t going to be your typical Cinderalla fairytale— the crown won’t go to the person whose foot best fits the glass slipper.

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“This year’s theme is, love the skin you’re in. It’s a competition, not a beauty pageant. Candidates can come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s about the person, not their looks.”

Around 30 candidates have already signed up for the ball, a response that has floored Blossom.

“The event is targeted at Aboriginal women aged 18 to 25 years and is open to young mothers. We believe in fair opportunity for all women, and being a mother takes real strength, resilience, confidence and courage,” Blossom said.

The Princess Ball will kick off on July 1 with an Empowerment and Leadership Program in a bid to size up the candidates’ personality. 

“The program entails connecting to culture, country, community, education and also provides awareness and the life skills for positive change and progress,” Blossom said.

Candidates will also have to undergo an interview process.

“They don’t even know who the judges are. The aim is to catch them as they are,” Blossom said.

The official crowning of the NAIDOC princess will happen on July 13, at a black-tie event at Moree Town Hall. Fashion guru Colleen Tighe-Johnson has been confirmed as a donor, who will donate her internationally-recognised dresses to candidates for the night.

As a former Moree Princess, Blossom said she understood how the program could be empowering to women on all levels.

“As aboriginal women we aspire to look at local role models, to help us overcome barriers in our lives: many of the girls come from disadvantaged, low-socio economic backgrounds,” Blossom said.

She said she felt many women in the community had missed out on a special opportunity with the abrupt end of the Moree Miss NAIDOC Princesses in 2002.

“The week is in honour of our past leaders and our up-and-coming inspirational women. I believe paying tribute to women past, present and future is special. It’s an encouraging event that I want to be part of.”

In addition to a winner, runner-up and Miss Congeniality placement, there will be four trophies to be had on the night: the Aunty Margie Adams Leadership Trophy, Aunty Barbara Cutmore Empowerment Trophy, Aunty Maureen Newman Encouragement Trophy, and Aunty Pam Tighe Inspiration Trophy.

“Let’s all come together in collaboration to encourage tomorrow’s female leaders by making this occasion possible and memorable,” Blossom said.

“I trust this would be the best way to connect community, empower our disadvantaged youth and create positive leadership roles within our community.”