The NAIDOC Princess Ball was nothing short of glamorous last Friday night, as more than 100 people showed at Moree Town Hall to crown this year’s Moree Miss NAIDOC Princess.
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Jazmin Pitt claimed the crown for the 2018 Moree Miss NAIDOC Princess in front of a jubilant and proud crowd.
“I feel like I’m going to cry,” an overjoyed Jazmin said on the night.
While the black-tie event was a moment to welcome the new princess, it was also a night to usher in the next generation of inspirational, Aboriginal women.
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Twenty-six entrants began the Moree Miss NAIDOC Princess program on July 3, but only 11 made it to the end.
Dakota Barlow, Bianca Copeland, Kayla Duncan, Ashlee McGrady, Jada Newman, Kadesha Newman, Jazmin Pitt, Hayleigh Rose, Ailsa Swan, Shirley May Swan Jnr and Patricia Whitton all took part in the two-week Empowerment and Leadership program.
“Entrants were judged on a points system. They were scored on attendance, presentation and how they carried themselves,” event organiser Blossom Pitt said.
After an interview night with the judges, the final scores were tallied. Ms Pitt said it was a close call, but regardless of points the entrants should be proud of themselves.
“You could see the transformation as the princesses came out of their shells. They went from these quiet, shy and kind of timid girls to confident, proud and strong Aboriginal women.”
And no admirable quality was left unchecked on the night, as awards were handed down to entrants who displayed admirable traits. Ms Pitt noted, the awards were named after other influential women in the community.
“These ladies have been an inspiration to me and the community. They encourage and give empowerment and inspiration to everyone.”
Kadesha Newman took the Aunty Maureen Newman Encouragement Award, Shirley May Swan Junior claimed the Aunty Barbara Cutmore Empowerment Award, Ashley McGrady took home the Aunty Margie Adams Leadership Award and Dakota Barlow staked her claim for the Aunty Mary Swan Inspiration Award.
“She [Dakota] is a true inspiration to everybody. She has been breaking down barriers and facing challenges. She showed up to every single program. She is a true inspiration to me and Moree,” Ms Pitt said.
Bianca Copeland was crowned Miss Congeniality and Kayla Duncan was awarded runner-up.
Ms Pitt thanked Mayor Katrina Humphries, Sergeant Rebecca Lewis, Cr Kerry Cassels, Anna Stanley, Maureen Newman, Barbara Cutmore, Mary Swan, Margie Adams, Belinda French, AJ Fernando, Zoe Duke, Fountain Gate Ministries, Liz Haines, Angie Swan, Pius X, Shirley Duncan, Cafe Gali, Thyama-li and Aboriginal Employment Strategy for their help.
