Taylee Short says she was “extremely shy” as a child and pre-teen.
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But this all changed at age 15, when she competed in her first pageant.
“Ever since then I have been competing every year – with every competition my confidence grows that little bit more,” the now 17-year-old said.
The Bellbird girl, who turns 18 in May, has been named as a national finalist in the Miss Australia Global International pageant.
She has been active in the community over the past few months, volunteering and appearing at events including the Australian Four-Day Enduro (where she sang the national anthem) and the Cessnock Stomp Festival.
Taylee is also proud to support the pageant’s official charities, the Epilepsy Foundation of Australia and Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters.
“This pageant has helped me become more active in my community and helped bring me out of my shell even more,” she said.
The Miss Australia Global International final will be held at Wests New Lambton from April 18 to 20.