BRAINS and beauty is the powerful combination former Alexandra Hills State High School student Alicia Brown hopes will pay off when she runs as a finalist in this year's Miss World Australia competition next week.
The 168cm blonde, a second-year chemical engineering student and dancer, will fly to Melbourne with five other Queensland finalists for the national competition, which runs from July 17 to 20.
As part of her Miss World role, the 19-year-old has to raise money for her three chosen charities the Lilla Foundation, Children's First Foundation and Variety Children's Charity.
"The Lilla Foundation in the Northern Territory, is close to my heart because it's dedicated to providing education and living needs for indigenous children," Alicia said.
"But I am also interested in raising money for all children especially those who are less fortunate.
"Miss World Australia isn't a beauty pageant based solely on the 'beauty' of women, it identifies those who are using their beauty both inside and out to make a positive difference in the world.
"Brains are more important than beauty, but, like everything in life, it just depends on how you use it," she said.
The teenager speaks from the heart and said she learned many life lessons as a 10-year-old coping with the death of her four-year-old sister who had cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Although she moved to Toowong to be closer to university, Alicia said family and friends were still in the Redlands, where she hoped to start her final campaign to raise money for her three charities.
"I know a lot of people in the Redlands, which is where I went to school and grew up and many people would know my dad who owns an earth moving business," she said.
Being one of 30 finalists in this year's competition does not daunt Alicia, who is looking forward to fashion shoots and a swim suit and evening gown parade on the catwalk while in Melbourne.
"Last year, one of the contestants raised $52,000, which I have set as a challenge, but it is a hard act to follow," she said.
Alicia hopes to hold a fashion event, including an auction of a holiday for two in the winery region of Stanthorpe, but dates are yet to be set.
She will hold a fundraising event for Variety, the charity which helps sick, disadvantaged and disabled children at the Alexandra Hills Australia Football Club on Fiday, July 12, from 6pm to 9pm.
Prizes, music, a vintage fashion parade and even a chance to win a date with one of the models, will be part of the fun. Alicia will also perform.
When: Friday, July 12 from 6pm - 9pm
Where: The Alexandra Hills Australian Football Club
Why: To fundraise for Variety, the Children's Charity and to support an Alexandra Hills SHS graduate as a Miss World Australia National Finalist
Cost: $10 which includes a free drink and canapés. More drinks are available for purchase.
Bowman MP Andrew Laming has donated a weekend Getaway to The Mantra as one of the raffles.
