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Being the current Mrs Australia, a lot of people just see me as a beauty queen, and for a large percentage of the public, that’s what I’m known for.

In fact, I’m writing this having just wrapped up a stint in Florida competing in the Mrs International finals.

But despite the surface which I’m sure looks very glamorous and dare I say it – superficial – the path to where I am today really hasn’t been that different to what most people experience. In fact, it’s quite possibly been more challenging, so I couldn’t be more excited to share a bit of the bigger picture of my story!

I was born in Manly and spent the better part of my childhood years in Darwin with my twin brother, Adam (not a beauty pageant entrant!). I love the bush and its laid-back lifestyle, and always love to get back there whenever I can. It was also in Darwin where I met my now husband, Jason.

That sounds fairly idyllic, but I faced a few challenges growing up.

When I was 9 my mum was unfortunately involved in a car accident, which left her as a quadriplegic. At first, it was extremely tough on us as a family because we had to take on more responsibilities growing up, but the positive is that this was really the initial push that sparked my passion for with working with different charities.

Today I pride myself on my charity work, and I support the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the RSPCA and more recently, the Touch of Goodness Foundation. My aunt was actually diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2008, so I hold these charities extremely close to my heart.

We worked through my mum’s accident, but then came high school and like a lot of young people I was bullied as a teenager. I had acne, frizzy hair and freckles (there’s a not-so-flattering picture of me in Year 7 floating around as evidence) and my life and looks were definitely a far cry from that of a model.

Again, I tried to search for inspiration rather than letting it bring me down and it’s that experience that has made me so passionate about my blog, Chic Nation, which empowers young people to have a positive body image and self confidence.

From high school I went on to further education and graduated with a degree in Visual Arts. I also have an advanced diploma in graphic design, and since establishing my design consultancy business, have had the pleasure of working with fabulous clients like Ted Baker and Nike.

Modelling also came into the picture for me as an adult and really took off for me in 2007, and I mainly shot TV commercials and ad campaigns for different brands, like Ben Sherman and David Jones.

Fitting everything in can be difficult at times, but I have my parents to thank for my work ethic!

Through everything, I do have to say that the biggest, ‘pinch-me’ moment was receiving the title of Mrs Australia in 2013 as it really brings together everything that I love and have worked for. I feel extremely honoured to be part of this ‘International Queens’ family, and more importantly, to be associated with a title that recognizes charity work and family commitments.

The road so far for me has been wild and varied, albeit an extremely rewarding one, and who knows what’s next?

If you’d told me when I was a teenager that I’d be modelling internationally today, I would have laughed in your face. It’s funny how life surprises you.

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  • inspiring and encouraging, just shows that just because everything looks perfect that is not always the case, everyone has their issues that they have to deal with in life and it is up to us to make the most of what we are given. This lady has obviously overcome a lot of obstacles in her life to be successful. congratulations.

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  • well done kate , not just a pretty face

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  • It is great to read stories about the “real” life of people in the public eye. So often the media makes people such as Miss Australia contestents out to live perfect lives although the reality is so different. Thank you for this insight and well done

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  • yes a very encouraging story lol

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  • Shes amazing and a stunner!!!

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  • I guess we all have a struggles and people are quick to judge just by the first appearance. We all have a story….don’t in haste think others don’t.

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  • Very interesting.My Canvas Prints

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  • A very interesting and lovely read

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  • We need more positive role models like yourself in the public. Well done Kate!

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  • What a lovely inspiring story & thankyou for showing us the real you that goes beyond the glitz & glamour.

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  • What a strong person you are, all the best and I hope your star shines for a long time – you deserve it.

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  • You are a very resilient person. I wish you well with your career and charity work.

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  • I absolutely love your story. I was bullied in high school and primary school for exactly the same things. I know it’s evil but once or twice over the years I’ve had a look at some of the peoples FB profiles (even though I know live interstate) and thought gee you’re not so great now. I think all kids and teenagers will be teenagers, but there is something about a bully’s mentality which always remains as an inherent part of their personality. I’m so glad that you are shining and flaunting it in their face. I would love to be a fly on the wall and see their faces when they are watching television and you appear on it or when you became
    Miss Australia. You’re an amazing person, and as far as
    I was lead to believe the contest is about beauty and having a gorgeous, beautiful giving soul such as you :)

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  • Great to share the story behind the person

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  • Wonderful story and one I am sure many high schools would love her to tell around the country.

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