The 16-year-old finished third in the Miss Country Girl Australia national finals in Sydney last Tuesday.

Lauren was the only WA finalist selected from 500 entries.

Judging day began with a hair and make-up appointment at 9am.

They there was a limousine ride from the hairdressers to the Bella Vista, the boat on which the final was held.

Contestants had rehearsals in the afternoon for the evening finals.

The gala event was opened by US singer Lady Gaga.

The contestants modelled swimwear and finished with formal wear.

The overall winner would qualify for the Miss Universe preliminary finals, open to models 18 and over, so Lauren was not qualified.

However, Lauren’s third placing won her an all-expenses-paid trip to Melbourne to compete in the National Finals for the Cosmopolitan Model Search.

The event will be held in November, and five winners will receive modelling contracts, in Australia and overseas.

The Bella Vista was filled with photographers, media and international scouts.

Lauren said it was a very exciting night and an experience she would never forget.

Lauren was surprised she placed in the Miss Country Girl competition.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.

“To place after being picked as a wild card entry from 500 other applicants was awesome.”

Lauren said she was now going to Melbourne to compete in the Cosmopolitan Model Search.

“I get an all expenses paid trip and from that hopefully win a contract with the model agency,” she said.

“I’m not sure where this will go but it’s a great stepping stone.

“This is the biggest competition I have been involved in and as a result now have another opportunity in Melbourne.”