At 16-years-old Shaneiva was the youngest model to compete in the World Supermodel International Finals in Macau, China on May 21. 

It was also Shaneiva’s first time travelling out of Australia which she described as both exciting and nerve-racking. 

In the lead up to the main competition on May 21 there were three hour rehearsals everyday. 

Placing first at the World Supermodel International Finals was not important to Shaneiva. 

“I think it was a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of my indigenous culture,” she said. 

At the competition Shaneiva wore Buluuy Mirrii clothing by designer Colleen Tighe Johnson.

She has been invited to parade the designs at the New York Fashion Week in September. Shaneiva will also participate in a photo shoot at Times Square. 

The words Buluuy Mirrii translate to black star. 

“She’s all about empowering young, indigenous people to pursue what they want,” Shaneiva said. 

Each one of the Buluuy Mirrii designs is created to tell a story of the Aboriginal people. 

Shaneiva said one of the designs she wore was about gathering of food, another about women’s business and a third about the Great Artesian Basin and the healing properties of the water. 

“I felt empowered and connected to my ancestors while I was wearing them,” she said. 

Shaneiva’s mother said she was proud of her daughter for continuing with the China competition despite suffering a severe allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. 

“My whole ankle was huge,” Shaneiva said. 

Shaneiva continued doing rehearsals and the main competition despite it being painful to walk. 

Shaneiva said was was thrilled to be pursuing her dream of modelling. 

“I never thought I would get an opportunity to go to China and do a pageant at 16-years-old,” she said. 

“Now being invited to New York that’s another great opportunity.” 

The Chatfields thanked the Port Macquarie-Hastings community for their generous donations and support to help Shaneiva.