Australia Galaxy finalist fundraises for youth mental health

Worthview Media Team
February 12, 2026

What’s happening?

A Redlands local, national pageant finalist and community business owner is using her platform to create measurable impact.

Cassie Pighin, Mrs Victoria Point Galaxy and a 2026 national finalist with Australia Galaxy Pageants, is actively volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness for local causes while preparing for the National Final Crowning Gala on 2 May 2026 in Sydney, NSW.

Alongside her pageant commitments, she owns a local bridal boutique in the Redlands and works four days a week in a government role. She is also a mother of two boys.

Her campaign centres on representation, service and consistent giving back to the community that supports her.

Why it matters

Cassie says representation is not symbolic; it is lived daily.

“For me, representation is layered and grounded in lived experience. I represent working mothers, small business owners, and women balancing multiple roles, and I also advocate as a mum to a child with ASD/ADHD.”

“That experience has shaped how I approach life, work, and community with empathy, patience, and perspective.”

She explains that authenticity matters week to week.

“Week to week, representation means showing up authentically, as a mum, a business owner, and a government employee, without presenting any one role in isolation from the others.”

Service, she says, underpins everything.

“Service is the foundation of everything I do. It sits at the core of my business and guides how I support clients, collaborate with others, and engage with my community.”

Local impact

Cassie’s involvement is practical and consistent.

She has volunteered at the Emergency Services Expo on Bribie Island, the Redlands Community Disability Expo, the Performance Pulse Expo hosted by Growl Racing, and the Childhood Cancer Support 50-Year Hearts of Gold Gala.

She also supports the International Women’s Day Luncheon with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, where she is a member.

“Giving back is consistent and hands-on,” she said.

“I actively seek further opportunities to contribute because I believe impact comes from consistent presence rather than occasional involvement.”

Her fundraising focus is Batyr, a preventative mental health organisation delivering peer-led programs in schools and communities.

“My primary fundraising focus for the pageant is batyr, a preventative mental health organisation that works to reduce stigma around mental health challenges in young people.”

“Supporting batyr aligns strongly with my platform, as mental health impacts families, workplaces, and communities every day, and early support can create long-term positive outcomes.”

By the numbers

• 1 in 4 young Australians are living with mental ill-health, highlighting the widespread need for preventative programs and early support.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians, reinforcing the urgency behind open conversations and early intervention.

• $2,000 is Cassie’s fundraising goal for batyr, with every dollar contributing to peer-led programs that build skills, confidence and support networks.

Zoom in

Balancing business, family and advocacy has not been easy.

“The hardest part has been managing multiple responsibilities at once,” she said.

“One of my sons has a formal ASD/ADHD diagnosis, and as a parent, I’m mindful of the well-documented statistical likelihood of neurodivergence occurring within families, which requires me to be informed, proactive, and adaptable in how I support my children.”

“In addition to parenting, I work four days a week in a government role to support my family. Time is extremely limited, and making space for myself has often been deprioritised.”

Returning to Galaxy was intentional.

“Having previously competed in 2013, I already understood that this system is about far more than outward appearance – it is grounded in confidence-building, personal development, and meaningful community involvement.”

“The Galaxy values of curiosity, authenticity, respect, and a commitment to excellence strongly resonate with me, particularly at this stage of my life.”

“This journey is an intentional step toward becoming the best version of myself – not only for my own confidence and fulfilment, but so I can continue showing up for my family, my business, and my community in a way that is grounded, sustainable, and impactful.”

Her bridal boutique has also introduced The Conscious Collection.

“I’ve already introduced The Conscious Collection, an initiative designed to extend the life of garments and create a more thoughtful and accessible bridal experience, and I see this as the beginning of how my business can continue to give back beyond profit.”

Zoom out

Cassie’s campaign speaks to a broader mental health challenge facing young Australians.

“When was the last time you felt overwhelmed, anxious, or like life was too much? Now imagine feeling that way every single day, with no clear way out.”

“In Australia, 1 in 4 young people are living with mental ill-health, and sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians.”

“These aren’t just statistics — they are our brothers, sisters, friends, teammates, and children.”

“That’s why I’m supporting Batyr. They give young people the tools, skills, and confidence to speak up, get through tough times, and support their mates.”

“By sharing real stories and building peer-to-peer support, batyr is stopping young people from reaching breaking point – and saving lives.”

“Every donation, big or small, helps batyr reach more young people who need hope, connection, and someone in their corner.”