The 19 year-old, one of two entrants representing Wollongong, will be one of 18 NSW finalists vying for a spot in the national Miss Galaxy Australia pageant to be held in Queensland later this year.

Ms Olliffe made the decision to enter the pageant as a way to build her self confidence. 

‘‘This is my second pageant, I’ve been in a Miss Australia type pageant before and I enjoyed it so I decided to give this one a go,’’ she said. 

‘‘I also wanted to get some self confidence back after having a baby and I thought this would help with that.’’

While the pageant has helped Ms Olliffe restore her self confidence, she is still somewhat apprehensive about parts of the competition. 

‘‘It’s made up of a few different sections, like evening wear, swim suit and fashion wear.

‘‘But there’s also an interview section which is what I’m a bit nervous about, you’re up on stage in front of everyone with no real idea of what questions they’re going to ask you. 

It’s not all bikinis and ball gowns though, with the pageant also acting as a fund-raiser for the Make-A–Wish Foundation. 

‘‘I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Make-A–Wish, so the fact that I’m able to help them and the great work they do was just another reason to do this pageant.’’

To support Ms Olliffe’s fund-raising, visit making-wishes-happen.everydayhero.com/au/mikaila.