Pledge for mental health this Jacaranda

Jacaranda Queen candidate Sharni Wren wants to have the opportunity to help people in the community, especially with mental health issues

IN THE RUNNING: 2016 Jacaranda Queen candidate Sharni Wren. Picture: Adam Hourigan

SHARNI Wren is the latest candidate to put her hand up to be Jacaranda Queen.

Ms Wren feels that as Jacaranda Queen she will have the opportunity to help people in the community, especially with mental health issues.

"That's my main thing, I'd love to be a role model. I have gone through a few past experiences which I know a lot of people in Grafton are still going through so it is like me helping them in a way," Ms Wren said. "I've had a few friends friends who have committed suicide.

"I went through anxiety and everything, and I've pushed myself through it, got help and everything, so I'd be one of those people who they can talk to."

But that isn't the only reason Ms Wren put her name in for candidacy.

"In 2002, seeing Anna Rose win, she was my teacher at St Joseph's and she ran for it and got Jacaranda Queen that year and just watching her on the crowning night and stuff pushed me to want to do it," the 22-year-old said.

"I've lived here all my life, I've seen it my whole life Jacaranda, that's pretty much why but I've always been too scared."

Ms Wren had signed up for Jacaranda Queen last year, but had to pull out last minute after her grandmother passed away.

Her love of the Jacaranda Festival has led her to push herself in new ways through her candidacy.

"To build my confidence that's the main thing, public speaking scares the hell out of me ... the crowning night, I think that's scaring me the most," Ms Wren said.

"To get through that, I reckon I'd be pretty happy, but I'm pushing myself to get through it because this is what I want to do."

Since moving to Ulmarra a year ago, Ms Wren has been getting involved in the community by volunteering with the SES.

Originally published as Pledge for mental health this Jacaranda