MOUNT Isa local Dale Maher, 22, attracted the attention of the judges of a national modelling contest.
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Mr Maher won the encouragement award in the Manhunt Australia national competition. It means that he is the first to qualify for next year’s national finals.
The Ergon Energy linesman, who recently moved to Hughenden, was among 21 competitors from across the country. He qualified for the competition when winning the Mount Isa heat held in July and his encouragement award means he can skip this heat next year. Joshua King and Chris Burns were the other two Mount Isa contestants who competed in Cairns.
The final contest was held at the Gilligan’s Nightclub in Cairns last Friday. Judges considered a photography shoot, and swimwear and evening wear rounds. There were four other awards including the Manhunt winner, won by the Gold Coast’s Zaine Pringle, as well as Mr Personality and first and second runner-ups.
Mr Maher said it was a shock to receive the encouragement award.
“I always had an interest in it (modelling) and to be given an opportunity to further myself in it and be told there’s potential is a massive confidence boost,” he said.
“It was such a new experience. The only other thing I did like this before was the one in Mount Isa.
“I thought everyone was judging all the time when they really weren’t, because they were so nice and casual.
“A lot of people were doing it for the first time as well so they were there to have a good time."
During the four day competition the competitors gained media training, went bungee jumping, snorkeling, paraded on catwalks, and attended the Cairns Amateurs Carnival. Mr Maher faced his fear of the open water by snorkeling for the first time. He enjoyed it.
“It’s one of my biggest fears because it’s not really knowing what’s there or what is near. I wouldn’t really go out of the way by myself. It was incredible,” Mr Maher said.
Mr Maher returned to the reality of his work life in Hughenden this week. It would be a “weird” transition.
“Leaving a place surrounded by amazing people who rightfully take time to make sure they look good and take pride in their appearance,” he said.
“It’s going to be weird going back to a place where taking that bit of extra time to take pride in how you look isn’t seen as a priority.”
He aims to tone up and improve confidence in preparation for next year.
*North West Star journalist Chris Burns attended the competition as a national finalist at the expense of organisers of Manhunt Australia, Procon Leisure, and through the support of sponsors.