She will now represent Miss Country Girl Australia in next year’s Miss Universe Australian preliminary competition in Sydney.

The 18-year-old (pictured in Belmore Park on Wednesday) said she was “a bit overwhelmed” by the announcement.

“It is great to get exposure - girls in the country don’t usually get the same opportunities as girls in the city,” Miss Welsh-Robertson said.

“I want a career in the fashion industry and this may open up a few doors.”

For the full story, please see Friday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area.