Miss Galaxy State finalist a country girl at heart

A Bunbury model is using her position as a State finalist in Miss Galaxy Australia to raise money and awareness around mental health.

Alannah Bayliss was this year crowned a WA finalist in the international beauty pageant and is hoping to make it to the next level - the international finals in Florida.

But perhaps the biggest triumph is what the 19-year-old has overcome.

"I decided to start pageants three years ago to build my confidence, self-esteem and public speaking as well as to get involved with my community and charities," Miss Bayliss told the _Bunbury Herald _.

"It has completely changed my way of life.

"From battling a mental health issue three years ago and not having any confidence at all to now having the chance to represent my country and stand proud on a stage with confidence."

Through her quest to become the next Miss Galaxy Australia, Miss Bayliss is also raising money for the Make A Wish Australia Foundation.

Organisers encourage entrants to raise money, but Miss Bayliss said it was an easy choice.

"The Make A Wish Foundation helped my family's friends through hard times and I want to give back to them for all their hard work helping sick children," she said.

Miss Bayliss has an online donation page, as well as selling fundraising chocolate and is hoping to hold more events in the lead up to January's Miss Galaxy competition in Perth.

"I want to show young women out there that you can do it no matter what you have been through," Miss Bayliss said.

Click here to help Alannah get to her target

"I decided to start pageants three years ago to build my confidence, self-esteem and public speaking as well as to get involved with my community and charities" - Alannah Bayliss