Model builds impressive body of work

Former Albany Senior High School student Montana Dupuy is making waves as a top 20 WA finalist for the prestigious Miss Universe Australia competition.

The 20-year-old exercise sports science university student started competing in body building after school.

It was when she was approached last year to be in a photo shoot for a clothing line that she discovered her love for the modelling industry.

The organisers of Miss Universe Australia approached Ms Dupuy for an interview and she grabbed the opportunity with open arms.

“It was something very out-of-the-blue and that I had never considered but I thought ‘what have I got to lose?’,” she said.

“I was always interested in it but I had never completed an application for modelling before.”

Alongside 19 other women, she is learning the ins and outs of modelling and what it takes to claim the crown, just as fellow Australians Jennifer Hawkins did in 2004 and Kerry Anne Wells in 1972.

The first judged stage of the finals will be held on Thursday in the form of an interview, before the remaining women battle it out on the catwalk at the State final on March 15. Ms Dupuy said the journey had already pushed her out of her comfort zone, despite being a master onstage with her body building experience.

“The pageant side of it isn’t really nerve-racking, but I think the biggest thing is the online blogging and video diaries for sponsors,” she said.

The State finalists are busy raising money for the Starlight Foundation.

Ms Dupuy plans to bring her fundraiser to Albany in the next week.