Australia is sending its first representative to the Mr World competition — and he's using the pageant to fight against Indigenous suicide.
Jony Berry is in the Philippines to take part in three weeks of charity activities and events, culminating in the winner being announced on August 23.
The modelling competition is held every two years, with 80 contestants seeking to succeed the reigning Mr World, Rohit Khandelwal from India.
Mr Berry, 24, has had his fair share of hard knocks, experiencing homelessness and surviving other traumas at a young age.
"I have overcome a lot in my life," he said, explaining that those challenges had driven him to try and make change.
"That's how I've got here — if I'd had a normal life, I wouldn't have learnt the lessons I've learnt.
"I wouldn't have seen the sides to life that I've seen and I wouldn't have the drive to make change."
Proud Aboriginal heritage
Now based in Melbourne, Mr Berry grew up in Tasmania's south and has kept a strong connection to the state.
He describes himself as mixed race — Portuguese and lutruwita (Tasmanian Aboriginal) on his father's side.
"I have Aboriginal heritage and it's something in my family which is really respected and celebrated," he told Helen Shield on ABC Radio Hobart.
"My father really taught it to us and made sure we know what we have, and how to be respectful of the land and the culture."
His national costume has been designed by Aboriginal artist Paul McCann.
Working with a seamstress, Mr Berry said the pair spent 16 hours a day for the past two weeks working on the costume.
His chosen charity is Black Rainbow, an organisation that works with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander LGBQTI people.
Suicide rates were at crisis levels, Mr Berry said.
"Sadly, we're losing the First Nation, the oldest culture on Earth," he said.
"I really hope by me advocating for the Black Rainbow it will somehow help."
A shock call-up
The model, comedian and actor was initially runner-up of the Australian portion of the Mr World competition.
The title had gone to Love Island competitor Eden Dally, but his forfeiture meant Mr Berry had just three weeks to prepare for the final instead of three months.
"It is insane — to come runner-up and then to put it out of my mind, to then receive a call saying, 'Hey, you actually won and we need you to represent Australia'.
"But I'm Tasmanian. I'll make it work."
The Mr World pageant ends on August 23.
