Emily is the winner

Kununurra girl Emily Jones has been judged winner of the Kimberley Girl 2005 contest.

The Goolarri Outdoor Venue in Broome hosted the final of Kimberley Girl 2005. Kimberley Girl, which in its second year, is the search for a role model, ambassador and a face that truly reflects the diverse culture, history and heritage of the Kimberley region.

Two other Kununurra girls Whitney Pinney and Kya Latham also made the finals.

Entrants were between the ages of 16 and 25, with an indigenous background and went to Broome from all over the Kimberley to compete in one of two heats with seven young women from each heat being selected to take part in the final.

Throughout the three weeks of the event, young indigenous women participated in deportment, grooming, public speaking and modelling classes, giving them a sense of empowerment, encouragement and confidence to stand tall and proud and strut their stuff on the catwalk in front of more than 400 people.

The final was an evening of entertainment and glamour, Kimberley style, with belly dancers, males on parade for Kimberley Boy and parades from the 14 Kimberley Girl finalists throughout the night.

The girls modelled clothes from Jay Jays, Kimberley Clothing, Cool Change Boutique and No.5 Gallery.

Their hair was styled by Harambee Hair Salon with make up by Chinatown Pharmacy using Black Opal products.

The panel of nine judges was required to judge each finalist on the following criteria: meet the judges, natural poise, confidence, personality, grooming, voiceover description, photogenic quality, overall look, the 'X factor' and behaviour and professionalism.

The winners shared in more than $5000 worth of prizes including, clothing vouchers, beauty packs, spa treatments, jewellery and accessories with the 2nd runner up also receiving $500 cash, the 1st runner up receiving $1000 cash and Kimberley Girl 2005 receiving $1500 cash.

Results of the evening were: Kimberley Girl 2005 Winner - Emily Jones from Kununurra; 1st Runner Up - Danielle Bangmorra from Derby; 2nd Runner Up - Nathalie Ishiguchi from Broome; Most Photogenic - Tallissa Kinley from Broome and Judges Award - Carlee Hedlam from Derby.