SIGN OF THE TIMES

TALK aboutb small town pride.

A sign has been erected in Tully claiming Miss World Australia Madeline Cowe as their own.

Cowe, who attended the Townsville Fashion Festival last weekend, posed with the sign during a visit home ( above).

The sign has been erected by the Tully Lioness Club and reads “Hometown of Madeline Cowe, Miss World Australia and Oceania 2016”.

At last Saturday’s runway event, Cowe, dressed in a shimmering Alice McCall frock from Palmer St boutique Stellar Moda and bling from Jewellery By Design, spoke of how far she had come since growing up in Tully.

The 24- year- old model is also the face of the Townsville Turf Club’s winter racing carnival ( left) and will attend the Ladies Race Day Coffee Club Marquee on July 22. She will also partake in Fashions on the Field with designer catwalk parades and best dressed competitions at the Townsville Mater Cup on July 29.

“If I told myself at 17 where I would be right now, I wouldn’t have believed myself so I think you just need to stay determined and chase your dreams,” she said.

“When I began my law degree Australia’s Next Top Model decided to come to Townsville. They hadn’t been here for a few years.

“I went to a rehearsal, they chose me. I was one of the lucky girls that got to go on Australia’s Next Top Model so that’s kind of where it all began.”