Sheridan Mortlock (centre) surrounded by her fellow Miss Earth Australia 2022 category winners.
Former Jerilderie resident Sheridan Mortlock has been crowned Miss Earth Australia 2022.
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The 22-year-old model and environmental advocate won the national title in her third attempt.
She was named Miss Earth Australia Air in both the 2019 and 2020 editions.
There was no 2021 event.
Sheridan will now prepare to represent Australia at the Miss Earth 2022 pageant in the Philippines this November.
Her advocacy is based on the acronym ACE - action, care and education - and knowing just how important immediate climate action is.
Sheridan believes these three pillars are what will drive substantial and sustainable action against climate change.
"Together, let's ACE our conservation and protection of Mother Earth," she said during the crowning ceremony at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on September 4.
At the age of 10 years, Sheridan began travelling around Australia while living out of a camper trailer with her family for 14 months.
Former Jerilderie resident Sheridan Mortlock being crowned Miss Earth Australia.
This allowed her to fully appreciate and see first-hand the beauty and diversity of the Australian landscape.
The enriching experience is what she believes unintentionally influenced her sustainability journey.
"Since then, I've made it my mission to create a real and powerful impact in the fight against climate change," she said.
Sheridan is now studying a double degree in global sustainability and politics at university in Wollongong.
She is enrolled in Bachelor of International Relations (minoring in French) and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Japanese) with the goal of one day joining the Australian parliament and influencing how to get on top of climate action.
Sheridan said when she first joined Miss Earth Australia in 2019, she was unaware of just how empowering and impactful pageants could be.
“It was my first pageant,” she said.
“I was drawn to this pageant because its advocacy is something that I believe in, and fight for wholeheartedly.
“I am so excited to seize this opportunity and create change."
Following a four-hour showdown of environmental speeches, gowns, glams, and game-changing questions, Sheridan was crowned Miss Megaworld International in the Sponsor’s Awards.
She also won the special awards for Best in Swimwear, Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown, to compliment her Miss Earth Australia glory.
Sheridan is the granddaughter of the Southern Riverina News’ own Just Jerilderie columnist Judy Ryan and her husband Paul.
The Ryans made the trip to Sydney this month to see the final judging, and Judy said it’s been an amazing journey to watch their granddaughter come runner-up in 2019 after a last-minute entry to winning this year.
“2020 was a carry-over year because of COVID-19, and in 2021 Sheridan didn’t participate as an entrant but was involved in the judging panel,” she said.
“This year, with the pageant back in full swing post-COVID-19, Sheridan decided to have a last go at the top title.
“Towards the end of a long evening, before the finalists for Miss Earth 2022 were announced, Sheridan received her other multiple awards.
“The finalists, from 14 girls, were whittled down to five, and then two, of which Sheridan was one.
“The room erupted when Sheridan was the last girl on stage after the crown for Miss Charity and the various elemental crowns (Air, Fire, and Water) had been awarded.”
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