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Indigenous Runway Project Model Zoe

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There is nothing harder in the world then seeking assistance and actually reaching out and asking for financial support yes it's a little bit shame but here we go this is my story.  

My name is Zoe Byrne and I am a proud 20 year old Wiradjuri woman, my family originate from the Narrandera Sandhills in NSW. I have been raised firstly in Newcastle but most of my life in the remote rural towns of Narrandera, Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill and Gol Gol (near Mildura).   Whilst in high school I developed a passion for modelling and started my career in outback Broken Hill.  Since graduating from Year 12 at Mildura Senior College in 2014 I moved to Orange NSW where I completed my Certificate III in Dental Assisting and Hospitality through TAFE Western. I had been working as a Barista at Venue Cafe however six months ago I secured a position as a Medical Receptionist at the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.   I continued to model juggling work and travelling to and from modelling assignments in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.  I love working in all these fields but my main goal in life is to continue to chase my dreams as an Australian and International Fashion Model. I have approximately four years modelling experience unfortunately I have not secured any paid work. Through my journey I have been featured in six international magazines, recently traveled to London as the First Aboriginal Grand Finalist for Top Model Worldwide , National Finalist in Cosmopolitan Model Search, modeled in the Indigenous Runway Project at Melbourne Virgin Fashion Week , Raw Runway in Sydney and Newcastle, I have an extensive photographic portfolio - photographed by celebrity photographer Maurice Rinaldi and mentored by Australian model Celeste Billinge. I have been interviewed by seven news and featured in articles in the Sydney Morning Herald, Koori Mail and several local newspapers and graduated from Suzanne Johnston Modelling School. I have had some sponsoring for some of the above and I am forever grateful to those that reached deep into their pockets and help me get to London, Melbourne Fashion Week and my photoshoot with Mr Rinaldi.   A high percentage has been self-funded and relying on my family to assist financially.

I have just been accepted to participate in The Indigenous Runway project (unfunded) being held in Canada, Montana and Beverley Hills from 17th September until 8 October 2016. The Indigenous Runway Project Fashion Immersion - International Leadership Program works with emerging Aboriginal, Maori, Pacific and First Nations and Native American young people wanting to gain confidence and develop leadership capacity. This program also looks at how the young emerging leaders make connections and build networks in the fashion industry.

This will be an amazing opportunity for me however it does come with a cost of $5000 and again it is all self-funded. The $5000 will cover returns flights, trains, accommodation and meals during the duration of the trip. The program is an intensive program with 3 weeks of training and participating in the Canadian, Montana and Beverley Hills Fashion Weeks. This experience will not be possible without the help of my own communities and nationwide - this is so important to me as its a closer step to my dream of becoming a Fashion Model and it gives me the opportunity  to show other young Australian women that anything is possible if you try.

The Indigenous Runway Project works towards creating aspirational pathways and inspirational platforms for Indigenous people while building their self-esteem and confidence to pursue a career and in doing so increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples in the fashion industry.

Hundreds of models nationwide apply for this opportunity I am so honoured to have been chosen to represent Australian Indigenous peoples.  I would be so very grateful for any contribution no matter the size and will never forget the generosity of others.

I would need the funds within the next 2 months to secure my position and flights to Canada.

Thank you for taking your time to read and helping me follow my dreams.

Zoe Byrne
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Donations 

  • Jessica Byrne
    • $20 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

L-eesa B-yrnsee
Organizer
Ophir NSW

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