The 21-year-old was one of six entrants vying for the crown in the 25th year of the quest.

Runner-up for the title was 17-year-old Keegan Pickering of Aberdare, and third place went to Kirra-Lee Thorn, 22, of Kurri.

Emma, who is a receptionist and volunteer at local radio station 2CHR, was almost speechless when Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent announced her as the winner, and said she couldn’t put into words how it felt to succeed.

“Words cannot describe how I'm feeling at the moment,” she said.

“It's fantastic! I don't ever want to come down off this high!”

Emma commended her fellow entrants, Keegan, Kirra-Lee, Taylor Scott, Angel Mitchell and Kate Sams, saying they were all beautiful young women.

“I want them all to know, they are amazing,” she said.

She decided to enter the quest as she enjoys challenging herself and trying new things and thought it would be a fun thing to do.

“I love the idea of helping out the community,” Emma said. 

“I have wanted to enter the quest for the past two years, and each year my nerves would get the better of me. This year I finally had the courage to apply.”

Emma will begin her year as an ambassador for the city of Cessnock with the Carols in the Park this Friday, and is also looking forward to getting dressed up and attending the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival in March.