Central Queensland teenager, Milly Cogil, is busy packing her high heels to travel to Bali as a finalist in the Australian Supermodel of the Year for 2017 judging this weekend.
Milly is one of 20 finalists to compete over the four categories of the competition, and one of five in the teen category.
Up until 18 months ago, Milly described herself as just ‘an average country girl’ who lived for barrel racing, mustering, and taking a hands-on interest in her parents’ red Brahman stud, The Corral, near Westwood.
It was when she had an accident in barrel racing that she retired from the sport with an injured back.
“It really was a downer for me as barrel racing was a big part of my life,” Milly said.
This was when family and friends suggested she should try modelling.
She visited the Elite Avenue Modelling Academy, in Rockhampton and was signed up immediately.
“Before I signed up with Elite Avenue, being a model wasn’t in my plan, but the more I do it, the more I enjoy it – and it now is a big part of my life,” she said.
She is now regarded as a ‘high fashion model’ and has appeared in four published magazine shoots.
It was Elite Avenue Modelling Academy who suggested that Milly enter into the Australian Supermodel of the Year for 2017.
“There was an audition here in Rockhampton last November, and the finalists were announced on December 21,” she said.
“I feel really excited but nervous at the same time heading to the finals in Bali.
“But this experience will kick start my modelling career on an international level.”
Milly will travel to Bali with her mother Liz and her major sponsor, Vanessa Eyles Photography of Eye Spy a Studio, Rockhampton.
She has recently left school to concentrate on her modelling career, and has taken on studying business, hospitality, and retail cosmetics with TAFE.
“I really am very appreciative of the support received from both my family and sponsors, and I would not be going to Bali, if it wasn’t for them.”