A banking graduate, a teaching student and a hopeful TV star: Meet the women taking on Salim Mehajer's sister for the title of Australia's Lebanese beauty queen

  • Salim Mehajer's younger sister, Mary, won Miss Lebanon Australia in May 
  • Eight women are vying for the title of Australia's Lebanese beauty queen
  • The group of women will compete in Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia
  • The beauty pageant will be held in Sydney on Sunday  

The fight to take over the title of Australia's top Lebanese beauty queen from Salim Mehajer's younger sister Mary Mehajer is on.

Eight Lebanese-Australian women will compete in the Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia beauty pageant on Sunday in Sydney, vying for a chance to represent Australia in the annual Miss Lebanon Emigrants global competition in Lebanon later this year.

Ms Mehajer was controversially crowned Miss Lebanon Australia in May amid reports that her influential brother, Auburn's former deputy mayor, may have had a part in swaying the results in her favour.

Scroll down foe video 

Eight women will compete in the Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia beauty pageant on Sunday in Sydney to steal the title of Australia's best Lebanese beauty queen from Salim Mehajer's younger sister, Mary (pictured)

Eight women will compete in the Miss Lebanon Emigrant Australia beauty pageant on Sunday in Sydney to steal the title of Australia's best Lebanese beauty queen from Salim Mehajer's younger sister, Mary (pictured)

Among the group of women trying to end Ms Mehajer's reign are Gabriella Jabbour (left), 21, and Natalie Mansour (right), 16.

The women lining up to take over Ms Mehajer's reign vary in age from as young as 16 to the mid-20s.

Rita Sarkis, 23, was born in Lebanon but moved to Australia two years ago and has a Bachelor of Banking and Finance.

In her biography, Ms Sarkis said she is passionate about TV presenting and has been in front of the camera since she was 10 years old.

Natalie Mansour, 16, describes herself as 'very friendly and kind hearted.'

'I would love to represent the Lebanese community in Australia. I was born and raised in Australia with a combined Lebanese and Portuguese upbringing, I strongly believe that the beauty of all cultures is what makes Australia unique,' she said.

She hopes to become a police officer after receiving a Bachelor of Policing/Criminology.

Rhonda Elbazi, 19, is studying to become a primary school teacher and is the eldest of three children.

Ms Elbazi said she likes to keep herself busy and participates in swimming, gymnastics and dancing. She was also a cheerleader for her high school and likes sport.

Rhonda Elbazi, 19, (pictured) is studying to become a primary school teacher and is the eldest of three children

Rhonda Elbazi, 19, (pictured) is studying to become a primary school teacher and is the eldest of three children

Suzie Merheb, 24, (pictured) has a double major in Music and Media Communications and Journalism from Macquarie University

Suzie Merheb, 24, (pictured) has a double major in Music and Media Communications and Journalism from Macquarie University

'I am strong willed in every way possible. When I set myself goals I will do everything I can to achieve them. I am also a very bubbly and friendly person who you will always catch with a smile across her face,' she said.

Najah Ghamrawi, 18, wants to become a secondary teacher and work in third world countries.

She said she is very optimistic and competed in Netball at the state level.

'Being Lebanese Australian has enabled me to share two very diverse and wide cultures that are amazing in their own ways. Having the privilege to be able to carry on the rich culture of Lebanese heritage and history throughout my life and experiences whilst living in a beautiful country is definitely something I take pride in.

Mary Mehajer (left) was controversially crowned Miss Lebanon Australia in May amid reports that the pageant was rigged

Mary Mehajer (left) was controversially crowned Miss Lebanon Australia in May amid reports that the pageant was rigged

Safaa Ammoun (left) and Najah Ghamrawi (right) are among those competing in Sunday's pageant 

Suzie Merheb, 24, has a double major in Music and Media Communications and Journalism from Macquarie University and said that she loves to travel and has modelled for magazines within Australia and overseas.

'My goal in life is to become a TV presenter/host, and build my name into its own brand which will include a clothing and an organic cosmetics line as I am passionate about animal cruelty!' she said.

Gabriella Jabbour, 21, is studying to receive a Bachelor of Teaching in Religious Education and English who says that she is 'outgoing and optimistic' and can get along with anyone.

Safaa Ammoun and Joanna Chami are also competing in the pageant. Neither submitted a profile to the Miss Australia Emigrant Australia contestant announcement on Facebook.

Joanna Chami (pictured) is in the running but didn't submit a profile to the Miss Australia Emigrant Australia contestant announcement

Joanna Chami (pictured) is in the running but didn't submit a profile to the Miss Australia Emigrant Australia contestant announcement

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.