City of Fremantle employee Tiarna Wynne is among the finalists for Miss NAIDOC Perth this year.
A proud descendant of the Yinggarda, Nyul-Nyul and Minang people, 22-year-old Miss Wynne was passionate about advocating for and working to change drug and alcohol abuse within the Aboriginal community.
"I have personally witnessed too many innocent souls wrestle with the addictive nature of alcohol and substances, and have in the past, felt helpless watching it take control of their lives," she said.
"I would like to work with our youth and focus on solutions to breaking this generational cycle of abuse."
Miss Wynne, an administration assistant in the City's People and Culture department, said she was so grateful for the personal and cultural journey Miss NAIDOC Perth has taken her on.
"It has challenged me, made me feel empowered, vulnerable and beautiful," she said.
"I am determined to learn as much as I can from my teachers and peers and eager to gain skills which will help me on my own ambitious journey to reduce the statistics of alcohol and substance abuse in the next generation.
"I hope that my being here encourages my son, siblings and others to remain strong, rise to challenges and continue to support one another."
Miss NAIDOC Perth is an Empowerment and Leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 18-30.
The program runs over a six-week period, and includes a cultural day with Elders, professional photoshoot, sponsors dinner and governance workshop.
The crowning of Miss NAIDOC Perth will be held tomorrow Saturday 17 July at Crown Burswood after it was postponed earlier this month due to COVID-19 restrictions.
