Miss Universe Australia winner reveals her battle with mental health

West Australian Caris Tiivel has been crowned the new Miss Universe Australia.

The young model, who hails from Stirling in WA, beat out fellow hopefuls Elise Chambellant from Queensland and Marijana Radmanovic from Victoria to take the coveted crown.

RELATED: Monica Radulovic offers tips to future Miss Universe Australia
RELATED: How The Ideal Miss Universe Body Has Changed Over Time

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Tiivel explained how she had overcome depression and anxiety to take part in the contest.

“I’m someone that has suffered from anxiety and depression in the past and a lot of people think you are always smiling, you are always happy all the time, there is nothing wrong with you,” she said.

“But that’s the stigma that comes with depression.

“A lot of people don’t know when someone is suffering.

“I would really like to support a cause like that, and provide some assistance to people who are going through a tough time.”

The event was held in Melbourne, where dozens of competitors took to the stage and were judged on swimwear, evening-wear and a series of questions.

The final question was: “how do you define success and how does that impact you.”

Other questions ranged from their opinions on same sex marriage to politics and domestic violence.

Tiivel, who won Miss West Coast 2016 and then qualified for the Miss Universe Australia pageant, took to her Instagram page to express her delight as being included in the competition.

"Can't believe the next @missuniverseaustralia.official for 2016 is going to be crowned tomorrow," she wrote yesterday before the event took place.

"I have had the most wonderful experience with the program & truly feel like i have grown so much as a person.

"It has been such a pleasure getting to know all the girls in the competition - i have met so many inspiring & talented girls who are so beautiful inside & out. Thank you to all the sponsors who provide us with so much support & make it all possible, all of those who have passed on lovely well wishes & most importantly my family - i love you so much.

"Looking forward to a fun night tomorrow & wishing everybody the best of luck. I am sure whoever is crowned as the next miss universe australia will do us all so proud."

Miss Universe Australia 2015 winner Monika Radulovic was a guest on the night, along with Renae Ayris, Tegan Martin and host Olivia Wells.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram