Girls urged to sign up for life-changing event

Pilbara Girl is calling for all indigenous women between the ages of 16-25 from Karratha, Roebourne, Port Hedland and surrounding communities to apply for the "life changing" program.

The main aim of the Pilbara Girl project is to instigate positive change in the personal and professional capacity of young indigenous women.

Pilbara Girl co-ordinator Tamara Binamat said the Pilbara Girl program made a difference not only to those who took part but also to the wider community.

"It's so much more than a beauty pageant; the program provides young indigenous women from the Pilbara region with valuable educational activities and opportunities that directly address the areas of contemporary indigenous culture, mental and physical health, positive lifestyles and leadership values," she said.

"The flow-on effects from the Pilbara Girl program to the local community are huge, the benefits flow into their families, schools and employers.

"It also enables the wider community to see young indigenous girls in a positive light and promotes an understanding and respect for indigenous culture throughout the region."

Ms Binamat said it was heartening to see participants' transformation throughout the Pilbara Girl experience.

"I went to the Kimberley Girl finals … when I saw the girls on stage, I couldn't believe my eyes, they had transformed into these confident, sassy well-spoken women," she said.

"Kimberley and Pilbara Girls have gone on to participate in WA Fashion Week, youth leadership programs throughout Australia and overseas, in social media campaigns targeted at indigenous youth and have won State and national awards for the mentorship and leadership roles they play in their communities," she said.

"Locally, I've seen the girls MC events like NAIDOC week and share what they've learnt during their Pilbara Girl journey back to their communities.

"The effects of the program are just so far-reaching, I encourage all indigenous women in the Pilbara between the ages of 16-25 to enter."

Ms Binamat also called on local businesses who were interested in sponsoring the event to contact her on tamara@impactmediakarratha.com.au.

To enter Pilbara Girl, visit the Goolarri Media website on http://www.goolarri.com/pilbara-girl/ or visit the Pilbara Girl Facebook page.

Entries are now open for Pilbara Girl 2015.