How model became voice of change

OSTN Staff

Kate Moss was first spotted at JFK Airport. Gisele Bündchen was in a shopping mall and Maymuru’s story could have been similar.The plucked-from-obscurity model story is the stuff of dreams.Except Maymuru knocked back fame to continue her education.Nor did her moment come a year later when she was spotted buying fruit in a grocery store by the same model manager.Still, she was hesitant.Maymuru had long held plans of being a doctor like her grandfather, although at 1.78m her family and friends had long said she could either be a runner, or stride the catwalk.Nor did the silver lining come from gracing the cover of the much coveted September issue of Australian Vogue as she cradled newborn daughter Tilly in a stunning shot.No, the silver lining moment came when Maymuru knew she could be a voice for change for her people.New beginnings came when she signed as the latest ambassador for vitamins behemoth Swisse Earth.Keeping company with the likes of Chris Hemsworth and other Australian superstars such as Nicole Kidman and Cadel Evans was the moment when Maymuru knew she had arrived.The First Nation model was born about 600km east of Darwin in Yirrkala, a coastal Arnhem Land community well-known for its indigenous artwork, singers and traditional culture.With a great-grandmother whose artwork is in the Louvre, a traditional owner grandfather heading up the local Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, and a father from the Yothu Yindi-affiliated rock/reggae band East Journey, Maymuru grew up surrounded by creativity.She is the face of the new range of skincare, Swisse Earth, which uses sustainable plant-based native ingredients.“The fact that people are going to see my face literally all over the country, maybe even worldwide, is very empowering,” Maymuru said.“It makes me feel good, makes me feel successful, I think with the publicity and exposure from Swisse, with this I feel I am going to skyrocket up and do more great things. I have a platform representing my people.”Maymuru says she first felt this responsibility after been made a finalist in the Miss World competition six years ago.“The moment I walked out on that stage, the whole world was watching me, they watched everything I did, where I went, who I was with,” she said.“There was a huge responsibility in regards to my people, my country. This time I feel like I’m not only representing indigenous Australia, I am representing all of Australia.”Swisse Wellness managing director Nick Mann said Magnolia had a unique and authentic connection and was their first choice to work as an ambassador for Swisse Earth.“Magnolia is an absolute role model for First Nations people and all women across the world,” Mann said.“The education and advisory work she does within her local community and for people across Australia is inspirational.”Maymuru says there has been a huge shift from within the entertainment industry, modelling and music.“The fact we are seeing more of it, seeing more of us as the people and the nation, the fact that I have been making ripple effects gives a really positive outlook to, how do I say this gently, on the dark history of our country.“People like myself and there are many other people, thanks to companies like Swisse and magazine companies like Vogue who are starting to show the diversity and they are doing it in such a positive and open way, it feels right and it feels good.”Living in the moment!

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