That statement didn’t apply to the 150 aspiring models of Bendigo who strutted their stuff in Hargreaves Mall yesterday, each fighting for the chance to be Australia’s next top model.

The sun came out in all its glory and pouts and long legs were the order of the day as the contenders took to the catwalk.

Bendigo was the only regional centre in Australia to be given the model treatment and the city didn’t disappoint with six women lucky enough to receive call backs.

For 18-year-old Simone Luker from Cooma in NSW the decision to enter the competition was brought about by support from her friends.

“They all said give it a try,” she said.

“I nearly backed out too.

“My boyfriend lives here and I just happened to be here at the right time.”

The second year architecture student said a career in the fashion industry was something she always wanted.

“Everyone was nice, it’s just been intimidating because it is a competition,” she said.

Brisbane’s Renee Sloan was too nervous in her home state to go through with the audition so she decided to join her aunty Sam McMahon in Melbourne and make the trip to Bendigo.

“We got halfway to Bendigo and she realised she didn’t have her shoes, so back we went,” Ms McMahon said.

“We made it in time though.

“I’ve always had confidence in her, I’m just proud she had the confidence to enter. It’s incredibly daunting.”

A spokesperson for Australia’s Next Top Model said the six Bendigo entrants would now go into a pool of women selected across Australia and would find out if they’ve made it on to the reality show within the next two months.