Ashylyn's Galaxay Quest
Orange-born Ashlyn Narayan is looking to achieve two big milestones in 2024: graduating from university and claiming the crown of Miss Galaxy Australia!
A 21-year-old medical science student at the University of Canberra, Ashlyn took her first steps onto the stage of pageantry in 2023 and is now back as a national finalist in this year’s Miss Galaxy Australia quest, which will be held in Sydney, May 1–4.
“It’s always been something I'd been interested in,” Ashlyn said. “Last year was my first time ever doing a pageant — or anything of that sort — but this year, I'm coming back with a bit more knowledge, a bit more at ease, more confident and excited to give it another go!”
Australia Galaxy Pageants was founded in 2011 with the aim of helping women to become the best version of themselves.
“A lot of people think pageants are… like certain heights and weights, but Australia Galaxy Pageants, they're really open to who they're taking. One of the only main requirements is to be an Australian citizenAshlyn explained.
“Any young girls that are interested, I'd definitely recommend looking into it, because it's so much fun!”
But it’s not all about dressing up and strutting the stage, she said.
“Behind the scenes, we actually have to do a lot of community work,” Ashlyn said. “Going out into the community, getting donations or volunteering, just helping out wherever you can.
“As well as that, we're also helping a youth mental health organisation called batyr, they're really trying to push the idea of breaking the stigma around mental health and actually being able to talk with people to help get through tough times.”
On Saturday, March 16, Ashlyn is holding a fundraising evening for the charity at the CWA Hall in Robertson Park. The night will be a multicultural fashion show with locals showcasing various traditional outfits from around the world.
The $50 ticket price includes dinner and dessert and you are invited to wear your best cultural outfit. Prizes will be given for the best dressed.
Ashlyn said the night should be fun for all involved.
“Speaking to people from different backgrounds, they don't really get the opportunity to show off their own culture or wear their own traditional clothes often,” she said.
“Sp to put on something small like this, they actually feel really excited. To wear their traditional clothes, be able to mingle with people from their background and make new friends as well. So I think that's quite important for the community.”
Ashlyn’s Multicultural Fashion Show will be held at the CWA Hall, 135 Byng Street, 6–9pm on Saturday, March 16. Tickets can be purchased from Anita Grocery Store, 97 Glenroi Ave.