Pilbara-raised woman a national finalist for Miss Galaxy

A young woman who has the Pilbara’s red dirt running through her veins is set to take on the country when she steps on the catwalk for the Miss Galaxy Australia pageant.

Taylor Sharpe, 21, was born in Port Hedland and spent her childhood in Tom Price before moving to Perth when she was 16.

She said growing up in the Pilbara was a fantastic experience but she always dreamed of bigger things.

“I was always a bit eccentric but found there were not many places I could fully express that part of me or see the opportunities I wanted,” she said.

“This is probably the biggest downside for youth growing up in the Pilbara and rural communities. The opportunities for their passions are not there, and if they are, they might not know about them or have enough confidence to chase them.”

Ms Sharpe was always actively involved in the Tom Price community, through fundraising and volunteering for her school, dance studio, and Girl Guides.

She said she viewed the pageant as a great opportunity to give back to the community.

“I’m hoping that I can use my title to gain influence and create a network of professionals,” she said.

“With this network I can then hopefully create a program in which youth in rural communities can find opportunities by speaking with people who can help them apply for university, programs, and jobs.”

The week-long pageant, held in the Gold Coast, wraps with a crowning ceremony on May 3.