Newcastle’s next top model competition is down to eight finalists

Topics told the world back in June that Newcastle-based fashion magazine Façon was giving local girls a chance to make it in the fashion world.

The magazine is collaborating with international modelling agency Chic Management to run the competition.

The winner gets a development contract that will launch them directly into the modelling industry as the “face of Façon”.

The eight finalists have now been announced. They are: Chiara Voight, Grace van der Boogaard, Hunter Monnox, Jade Archer, Jamie Smith, Lillian Owens, Madyson Thomas and Sarah Henderson.

“All the girls are beautiful and have a great look. I was impressed by not just their physical appearance but also their positive attitudes and energy,” said Chic director Kathy Ward.

“Before the girls start out in the industry, they have to understand that no matter how good they look, success can only be achieved by dedication, a professional attitude, a good agent and a touch of luck.”

The announcement followed a workshop last Saturday for the semi-finalists, which focused on the modelling industry and the importance of social media, lessons from Chic’s top runway model and a photo shoot.

The winner will be announced at a runway event to be held at Westfield Kotara on October 6.

Mayfield was a desirable place to live in the years around 1900. 

“It was known as the Toorak of Newcastle and possessed the rural charm that many successful business owners sought as respite from the city grime of Newcastle,” Holly McNamee says. 

“It was connected to the city by both train and steam tram and had uninterrupted views of the Hunter and the port of Newcastle, prior to the arrival of BHP in 1913.”

Then came a steady decline, as many large, beautiful homes were turned into hostels and rooming houses for the workers of BHP and other associated industries.

A house called Lilybet, built in the late 1880s, was caught up in this change.  

“The Ralph Snowball photograph of 1900 shows an elegant house in the then prestigious suburb of Mayfield,” said Holly, the Friends of Grossmann House chairperson. 

“Designed by noted Newcastle architect James Henderson, the house is a wonderful example of his work which can be seen in the School of Arts building in nearby Tighes Hill, as well as the old Victoria Theatre in Newcastle.”

Holly said the house was bought by the family of a demolition contractor in 1985 and “stripped of her former glory quite literally”.

“Doors, ironwork and mantlepieces were removed. Eventually part of the roof was taken down, allowing the forces of nature to have their way. Squatters and vandals moved in and there was even a fire in the remains of the house, which luckily didn’t take hold completely.

“The final insult was a DA [development application] approval to demolish and construct four townhouses on the site.”

At its worst, the site became known as The Ruin. But now it’s being restored and has fondly been renamed Lilybet.

“This magnificent house is being given the care and attention it so well deserves,” Holly said.

“Luckily, serial house rescuer and renovator, Wayne Campbell, fell in love with the ruin and, with his partner, is bringing the house back to life.”

An open house will be held at Lilybet at her Elizabeth Street address on Sunday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Phone Holly on 4933 3330 to book. 

Cessnock's Cassandraa Turnbull had dropped her sister at Williamtown Airport.

“I was pretty emotional,” she said on social media, adding that she pulled into McDonald’s to compose herself.

Her sister lives on the Gold Coast. They rarely get to see each other.

“When we do, she usually stays for about two weeks. This time she could only stay for four days. I just felt like I had barely seen her or done anything with her while she was here,” she told Topics. 

But let’s get back to her social-media post: “When I drove through the drive-through, Maccas’ staff noticed how upset I was. After I ate, I went to wipe my face with my napkin and realised they had written me a note.

“It was one of the sweetest things that I’ve had happen to me. Thank you, Williamtown Mcdonald’s, you made my day and put a smile on my face. You guys are amazing.”