Mackenzie McCauley named a finalist in the Australian Supermodel of the Year (ASOTY)

A Gowrie Junction teen has a strong message for a cutthroat industry, ahead of her finals in a national competition this month.

A teenager on the cusp of a national award is sending a clear message to a cutthroat industry: it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, you can still reach your dreams.

Gowrie Junction teen Mackenzie McCauley will compete in the finals of the Australian Supermodel of the Year (ASOTY) competition later this month in Bali, after only starting her career in the past 12 months.

At 161cm tall, or 5ft 2in, Ms McCauley said her height had been a disadvantage for her securing work, and the national competition was giving her an opportunity to use her voice.

Mackenzie McCauley is a finalist in the Australian Supermodel of the Year 2023 competition, Friday, January 6, 2023.

Mackenzie McCauley is a finalist in the Australian Supermodel of the Year 2023 competition, Friday, January 6, 2023.

“ASOTY’s main goal is to help change the industry … they focus so much on sustainability, self love and diversity, and I want to be a part of that,” she said.

“Models can come in all different shapes and sizes and heights.

“Because I’m really tiny for a model, I want to be someone who others can look up to and inspire them to chase their dreams and promote diversity.”

Sixteen-year-old Ms McCauley, sponsored by NKM Air Conditioning Toowoomba, first became intrigued with the industry after seeing posters of models in a retail store and knew she wanted to do that.

Within 12 months, Ms McCauley was signed to an agency, and she is taking advantage of available workshops and photo shoots.

The ASOTY finals will run in Bali from January 18, with the grand final scheduled for February 4.

Originally published as Mackenzie McCauley named a finalist in the Australian Supermodel of the Year (ASOTY)