Ronan to take final stage for pageant

Yamatji woman Kearah Ronan will represent the Mid West this weekend when she competes for the crown of Miss NAIDOC Perth 2017.

Ms Ronan was born in Geraldton and currently lives in Perth, where she is studying a Bachelor of Education at Curtin University.

She juggles her education and work commitments at Catholic Education WA with her role as sole parent to two-year-old daughter Gladys-May.

This is the first time Ms Ronan has entered the Miss NAIDOC competition and she said being part of the competition promoted self-confidence and empowerment to young Aboriginal women.

“I have always wanted to be a role model in my community and to my siblings and family members,” she said.

“While I was curious, I never really knew what Miss NAIDOC was about but I was pleased to discover it is all about leadership and learning about how we can make a difference in the world.”

Ms Ronan said being a mother reinforced her passion for working with children.

“My dream is to improve educational outcomes for future generations of our children,” she said.

“Every child has the same potential and the right to learn, but our kids are the most disadvantaged — this needs to be acknowledged and addressed.”

While only one of the finalists will be crowned Miss NAIDOC at the gala event on Saturday at Crown Perth, Ms Ronan said the competitors had become close during the lead-up.

“We have all gotten to know each other really well,” she said.

“I don’t think it is just about winning the crown anymore, it is about empowering each other.”