Vannessa Lim believes it is never too late to follow your dreams.
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That is not a cliche just said to others but words Ms Lim herself follows, evident by her most recent step to enrol in the Ms Galaxy Australia pageant and pursue acting.
"It was a complete accident," Ms Lim, aged 44, said. "Last year I was pretty ill. I had to stop studying and couldn't do a lot. Towards Christmas I started feeling better and I decided to get back into modelling.
"I used to model in my 20s but pursued a different career path. I signed up for what I thought was a catwalk refresher course but found myself in a pageant."
The Nelson Bay resident is now a NSW finalist in the Ms Galaxy Australia pageant and is raising awareness and funds for Make A Wish Australia and Run Against Violence, which is an issue close to her heart.
Ms Lim was born in Cambodia with congenital disorders that led to physical disabilities. Her family emigrated to Australia when she was young. She grew up knowing the sting of racism and bullying.
Not letting that get to her, Ms Lim pursued modelling in her early teens and later put her nose to the grind to undertake biomedical science and chiropractic studies at university.
She met a man and started a family. Her relationship turned violent and she escaped.
"I’ve experienced what its like to have everything and what it’s like to be homeless," Ms Lim said.
"My past does not define me. Instead it has made me resilient, given me inner strength, taught me empathy, love, compassion.
"I’ve had a passion, a yearning to give back to my community... something more than just volunteering my time and skill sets to help others."
Ms Lim has been invigorated by the Ms Galaxy Australia pageant, which she feels has given her a platform to help others.
She has recently become a committee member of Run Against Violence.
The next step in Ms Lim's Galaxy journey is nationals which will be held on the Gold Coast at the end of April and in May.
"What I like about the pageant is that it's not just about glamour, it's about the substance of a woman," she said. "The girls from the pageant are role models and very supportive of their causes and of each other."
If Ms Lim wins the Ms Galaxy Australia national final, she will be invited to the international final in Florida.
To support Ms Lim and her causes, go to: give.everydayhero.com/au/i-am-vannessa-lim-rav.
Ms Lim is always waiting to hear if she is a finalist in the Ms British Empire pageant.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
