Bethany Halpin crowned Miss International Job’s Daughter

A Kallangur teen has taken out an international pageant all from the comfort of her own home with more than 40 other participants dialling in from across the globe.

Bethany Halpin from Kallangur has been crowned the winner of Job's Daughters International via Zoom.

A Brisbane teen has been crowned Miss International Job’s Daughter after participating virtually alongside 48 other contestants.

Bethany Halpin took part in the international pageant two years after winning the Queensland crown.

The 19-year-old from Kallangur is now the international spokeswoman for the leadership organisation after being crowned via Zoom.

Founded in 1920, Job’s Daughters International has members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, and Brazil.

The youth leadership group is aimed at girls aged 10-20 years with local groups based in Petrie, Caboolture, Wavell Heights and Beenleigh.

Ms Halpin represented Queensland in each competition category which included a written test, interview, oral recitation and an impromptu final question.

It’s the fourth time a Queenslander has picked up the title.

Previous winners include chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation Vanessa Fowler, Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Carmen Jenkinson, CEO and Taila Gough a contestant from The Voice.

Ms Halpin was introduced to the organisation when she was just 12-years-old.

“I feel very blessed after working tirelessly over many nights studying I won the title,” she said.

“It was absolutely surreal and even though it‘s been a couple of days I’m still starstruck at the moment.

“I remember being a 10-year-old little girl and feeling like it was so out of reach and something that I wanted so badly and to be in this position right now I’m incredibly grateful.”

Bethany Halpin from Kallangur has been crowned the winner of Job's Daughters International via Zoom.

Former winner Carmen Jenkinson said she was incredibly proud of Ms Halpin’s achievement.

“The competition is now in its 50th year and every year until this year the competition is done in person and the entrants would have to travel to the one location,” Ms Jenkinson said.

“It’s the first time the competition has been opened up for virtual entries so there were more contestants than usual.

“For Bethany to be able to communicate her personality, her values and all of her personal attributes digital via Zoom meetings and all of those challenges it poses is incredible.”

Ms Jenkinson joined the organisation as a young girl and she says it’s changed her life for the better.

“The benefits and the values and the experiences Job’s Daughters gave me as a girl has changed the expectations that I have as myself as an adult for the better,” she said.

“I was a member of an organisation that gives a voice to young women, it gives genuine leadership opportunities to young women.

“What better thing can you teach young women today than to know that they have a place in our community, that they have a voice, that they should participate and be leaders in their community.”

Ms Halpin, who works full-time as an early childhood educator, will now serve in this role for the coming year.

The Brisbane woman is hoping eventually she’ll be travel to visit other groups in the United States, Canada, Philippines and Brazil in person – until then though Zoom will have to do.

The Miss International Job’s Daughter crown, sash and cape is now en route to Queensland for a local coronation ceremony to be held later this month.