FORMER Delungra resident Katie Jones strives to be a positive role model and ambassador for girls living in regional Australia, and has launched herself as a young entrepreneur. 

In 2009 she founded the national platform Miss Country Girl Australia and in 2013 she co-founded Yogi Frozen Yoghurt alongside her partner Dale Nason. 

Katie and Dale have now become the faces for the national ANZ campaign supporting new small business. 

They hope that the campaign inspires other young business start-ups. 

Katie will be touring Australia with her country girl team and is excited to be providing life changing opportun-ities to her fellow country girls. 

Country Girl Australia is a national platform that connects country girls with both modelling and career opportunities. 

She has a burning passion to spread a positive message and to build inner confidence in girls across Australia. 

“I believe building inner confidence and self belief in our younger generation is one of the most important skills we can teach and will help them in all aspects of their life. 

“By providing a support platform that provides opportunities and experiences for our youth is a great way to do this,” she said.

Each year thousands of girls register online and participate in the regional workshops, motivational seminars and preliminary finals which has led to many launched country girl careers both nationally and internationally. 

Entry ages and categories are: Model (Junior):  8-12 years; Model (Senior): 13-28 years; Swimwear: 16-28 years; and Career: 16-30 years. Katie is reaching out to the Inverell community to encourage girls to enter via the website www.misscountrygirlaustralia.com.au.