The 10-year-old from Raymond Terrace, who is from the Bundjalung and Worimi people, has made the NSW State final of the Aboriginal Model Search.

And she cannot stop beaming.

“I was so excited when I heard my name called out. I can’t wait to go to the state finals,” Mia said.

Mia was the first winner to be announced at the Newcastle stage of the Aboriginal Model Search, a competition which scours the country to find the next generation of indigenous models. 

The judges noted that she was a natural at modelling. 

“I really love being in the model search, as it helps me get more confident in front of a crowd,” Mia said. 

“I want to be a famous dancer when I grow up, so the competition will help me with my stage presence and confidence,” she added.

Her mother Chantal is extremely proud of her daughter. 

“I’m over the moon. It’s really helped her confidence.

“I was cheering frantically when her name was called out,” Ms Gundy said. 

The competition is open to males and females aged 8-30, with the contestants being divided into juniors and seniors.

“Mia loves her Aboriginal culture, and I was really happy to see her surrounded and interacting with proud, strong Aboriginal people,” Ms Gundy said.

Mia said she had a great time at the competition. 

“I met lots of new people, and one of my friends I met at the competition made it to the State final as well, so I can’t wait to go to the final with her,” Mia said. 

“If I was one of the judges, I would have let everyone go into the final, as they all tried their best and were all really nice,” she added.

For those thinking of entering the competition next year, Mia cannot recommend it enough.

“Definitely have a go. It’s lots of fun and builds up your confidence.

“I was nervous when I first did it, but something just clicked when I was there and I got really into it,” Mia said. 

During the competition, Mia and the other contestants received a professional runway class, which looked at how to walk, talk and present themselves, as well as getting three professionally edited photographs for their portfolios. 

Sharlette Townsend, the founder of the Aboriginal Model Search, said the competition is about empowering Indigenous people. 

“The competition assists young people within the Indigenous community to discover a higher sense of self belief, self-confidence, and self-esteem,” Ms Townsend said.

The NSW state final is due to be held in August.