SWAN View resident Amy Basnett is a national finalist in the Mrs division for Australia Galaxy Pageant to be held in Sydney from May 1-4.

The mother of two works for a state department and has a contemporary art business on the side.

Mrs Basnett credits Galaxy for challenging and supporting her 12 months after she suffered a spinal injury.

The Australia Galaxy Pageant vision of empowering women to “be the best version of you” appeals to her.

“They provide a platform for delegates to become role models to their peers, family, and communities, be that through charity work, community involvement, volunteering, overcoming fear or gaining more confidence,’’ Mrs Basnett said.

She also refused to accept that her life and future was limited by her injury and anxiety.

“I had the choice to spiral or to step forward in fear towards hope and rebuild but how?”

She started her Galaxy journey in 2022.

“I went from limitation to achieving best in swimwear, best in fashion wear, 2nd runner-up overall in 2022 and 1st runner-up in 2023.

“I have grown so much and plan to bring home the national crown to WA, and go on to represent Australia in Orlando at the International Galaxy Pageant in August.’’

She is a volunteer with Share the Dignity, an organisation which gets community members involved to donate period products and self-care products to those experiencing period poverty, homelessness or domestic violence, and also volunteers with Worthy Australia, which supports women and children fleeing domestic violence through fully furnished safe haven accommodation.

She is holding a fundraiser at Oakover Estate on Saturday, March 23 to raise money for batyr, which aims to smash the stigma surrounding mental health and empower young people to reach out for support.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.