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Anthony Wayne from Melbourne Victoria was crowned Mr Diamond Australia at the Miss/Mr Diamond Australia competition held in Brisbane on April 7.

Anthony also took out the people's choice, publicity and social media awards.

55 finalists competed in the competition across 7 categories. Miss/Mr Diamond Australia celebrate the diversity in all individuals, and has no gender, age, height, weight restrictions.

As part of the pageant all contestants are required to fundraise for a charity of their choice. Anthony partnered with his chosen charity Switchboard Victoria who provides valuable counselling support services to the LGBTIQ community. Having been through his own journey of growing up as a gay man, he says he experienced feeling vulnerable and isolated as an adolescent. It was through the use of internet chat rooms that he was first able to connect with others within the LGBTIQ community. Anthony will be able to use his new title to continue to support the Switchboard Victoria and raise awarness about the services they provide.

For the next 12 months, Anthony will be working hard to represent Miss/ Mr Diamond Australia and speak with others about his positive experience.

Anthony is actively engaged within the community through volunteering, and proudly supports many community groups and charity organisations – including Miss Gay and Miss Transsexual Australia, Midsumma Festival, Cancer Council and Beyond Blue.

www.facebook.com/Anthony.Wayne.MrDiamond | Insta: @a.wayne.mda