Competing against eight other local women, Ms McGarvey did not expect she would be the winner of Mount Isa's MAXIM Australian Swimwear Model of the Year.

"I was not expecting to win at all. When they called my name I freaked out and started crying! I couldn't believe I won the competition," Ms McGarvey said.

"I wanted to win it for my mum because she did stuff like this years ago back in Papua New Guinea.

"This was not my first time competing as I entered in the State of Origin competition a few years ago, which I just entered for fun and it was much more relaxed.

"This competition was more extreme though with gym membership provided to help competitors prepare for the competition."

The three categories of the Mount Isa competition included formal wear, Disney theme and swimwear.

Ms McGarvey dressed as Princess Tiana from the Princess and the Frog movie for her Disney character.

"The ones I originally wanted were already taken but I ideally wanted to be Pocahontas, so I could relive my childhood favourite.

"However the event was amazing with 470 people attending the event to see all the girls compete."

Over the past few months other venues across Australia, have participated in the search for the MAXIM Australian Swimwear Model of the Year, which will culminate in the national final on the Gold Coast on May 9.

Up to 30 of Australia’s swimwear models will compete across a number of categories including photographic, cocktail dress  and three swimwear categories.

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