For the second year running, Newcastle-based fashion magazine Facon gave local girls a chance to enter the glamorous world of modelling.

Eight girls are vying to become the "next face of Facon".

The winner will be announced at a runway event hosted by Westfield Kotara, with the latest Spring fashions on show.

One of Australia's top models, Samantha Harris, will announce the winner as part of her role as the competition's guest judge.

"We are looking for a point of difference, something that stands out - it can be either a physical or inner quality that catches our attention," she said.

Samantha knows what it takes to make it to the top. Her big break came through a competition - the Girlfriend magazine model search in 2004.

"Entering a model competition supported by the right people in the industry provides the perfect platform to launch a modelling career," Samantha said.

Facon editor Lara Lupish said confidence and poise were key factors in choosing a winner.

"Although physical looks are an important part of a model's career, it is also about having a good attitude, a strong work ethic and being resilient in a competitive industry," she said.

The winner will receive a development contract with Chic and a fashion editorial in Facon magazine.

At 9am on Saturday, the contestants will be outside the Mimco store getting their hair and makeup done live, giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at runway preparation.

The runway event, which is open to the public, starts at 11.30am outside David Jones. Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite.

While we're on Westfield Kotara, the shopping mall will have a giant Monopoly board in centre court on Sunday.

It'll be a version of the much heralded Newcastle Monopoly board.

Those keen for a bit of fun will be able to roll a giant dice on the board.

Westfield Kotara secured a coveted spot on one of the board's property squares. Charlestown Square missed out.

Mind you, there was a bit of talk at Thursday's launch about sponsorship being paid by businesses to secure a property square.

Wonder if there was a bidding war between Westfield Kotara and Charlestown Square?

Health-themed weeks can be funny at times. Businesses and associations often get their PR-machines into gear and try to jump on the bandwagon.

For example, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia tapped into Mental Health Week, sending out a media release on Thursday titled, "Camping trips proven to be beneficial for mental health".

We're not sure about the science on that, but we did get a giggle out of these comments: "We've all heard of the phrase 'happy campers', but it turns out the urban myth actually has a lot of truth behind it".

"Those who regularly go caravaning and camping are not only happier, but also more satisfied, optimistic and energised than those who do not go camping."

Where there's happy campers, though, there's unhappy campers. Unless, of course, we're talking about glamping.

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