Pageant finalist’s goal to support mothers

LUCAS resident Nilupulie Karunaratne has made it to the final of this year’s Mrs Galaxy Australia pageant, which was introduced in 2015 as part of Australia Galaxy Pageants.

it is one of the only systems in Australia with no upper age limit, height or weight requirements that leads to an international competition.

Ms Karunaratne has a Masters of Business Administration and worked as a banker for nearly a decade before going into healthcare recruitment.

She is a mother of five-year-old twins and said the comp has helped her develop public speaking skills and confidence.

“It’s all about empowering women and girls to be the best version of themselves through community involvement and personal development opportunities,” she said.

“They mainly focus on inner beauty rather than outer beauty so I’ve spent so many hours doing volunteer activities.”

Ms Karunaratne created Empowering Mothers, a project which supports mums and she is a volunteer with the Gidget Foundation for new and expectant parents.

She has created 25 methods to support new mothers and families, drawing from personal experience and research.

“I am a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, so I am deeply passionate about supporting women and families,” said Ms Karunaratne.

“If I get the national title, I can get sponsorships for Empowering Mothers so I can create things like care packs.”

In March, Ms Karunaratne plans to launch a mothers’ walking group to promote health and wellbeing.

The national final will be held at Bankstown Sports Club, Sydney from 30 April to 3 May and the winner will have the opportunity to attend the international competition in the United States.