Studying marketing at La Trobe University while working part time in the mortgage help department at the Bendigo Bank, the face of Bendigo’s Spring Racing Carnival has also worked at the L’Oreal Fashion Week among other things.

The energetic 21-year-old novice model has her eye on a fashion prize and is drumming up as much experience as possible.

“Fashion is like my personal love so it would be great to work in something that I absolutely adore doing because it wouldn’t feel like a job,” she said.

“Experience is the key in most of these areas, especially fashion because there’s thousands of girls who want the same jobs.”

While working and studying has kept Penny busy, she said she had thrown herself into her Spring Racing Carnival duties and laughed that she had mastered the art of talking to strangers.

“I’ve been to lots of corporate events so far like the launch of the Cup and the launch of the spring fashion week,” she said.

“I’ve obviously got more coming up too including the Gallic Club Luncheon and the Cup.”

So what will this local fashionista be wearing on the big day?

“I’m wearing a Cue dress, I’m not quite sure what sort yet,” she said coyly. “Something a little bit 1960s style.”

And what sort of youthful fashion wisdom can she impart?

“Wear something that suits you and that you’re comfortable in, because if your comfortable then you’ll look more confident.

“If you wear something uncomfortable that doesn’t really suit you then you’re going to feel awkward in it all day.”