“I entered mainly just for a confidence boost and to get better at my public speaking skills,” Miss Gold Crown winner Kristelle Hampton said.

“I wasn’t the most confident person and the public speaking skills can be used anywhere.

“It was definitely a good experience and I’d encourage other young ladies to try it. It’s fantastic.”

This year’s competition saw Miss Hampton vying for the title against five other women – Taylor Fenton, Emma McLaughlin, Storm Strong, Cynthia Bourke and Hannah Bates.

Over the course of the competition, each of the women were interviewed numerous times in front of a range of people.

Runner-up Taylor Fenton has only lived in Bathurst for two years and entered the competition to help her get more “involved with the community”.

“It was a fantastic experience, but some parts like the public speaking were nerve-racking,” she said.

“I [also] took it on for a challenge and a confidence boost.”

Miss Gold Crown co-ordinator Olivia Guilbert congratulated all the entrants for their efforts in raising $3200 for Rick Foster’s A Little Adventure. 

Mr Foster is a Bathurst man who is raising money to help those suffering from crones and colitis.

Miss Guilbert said the girls came away from the competition with improved communication skills and confidence.

“It was definitely a success. It was nice to have a great batch of girls who are aspiring to be more in the Bathurst community,” she said.

She said winner Miss Hampton stood out from the crowd and while she was nervous to start, her public speaking skills and confidence grew throughout the competition.

“She wanted to start a business in Bathurst and promote Bathurst as a community, which set her above the rest,” Miss Guilbert said.