In an industry synonymous with unachievably skinny women, Ashlee De Silva wants average sized models to be regarded as the norm.

She said even the language used to describe different sizes was toxic.

“The idea of being categorised as plus-sized is ridiculous,” Miss De Silva said. “I'm not an overweight girl, size 12 is the most average size there is.”

"But it's considered to be plus-sized, it's considered to be abnormal, and magazine editors and publishers don't want girls to be size 12.”

The 20 year old model said she has been rejected by multiple agencies because of her size, and while the industry had improved she said it is still plagued with demanding expectations.

The Miss Australia International pageant takes a holistic approach to focus less on beauty and more on the overall character of their competitors and their commitment to society.

Miss De Silva had chosen BulliesOut as her charity for the pageant, drawing on her own experience from high school where she said she was bullied relentlessly.

It got so bad she became depressed and was forced to move schools.

Now she wants to use her position to communicate with those who have suffered similar abuse and tell them to shut out the negative voices.

"The main thing that keeps me going through all the hate now is trying to change the definition of beauty, and what beauty really is,” Miss De Silva said.

"That's why I love this pageant.”

Miss De Silva will spend the year raising money for her charity and running events before the Miss Australia International winner is crowned at the start of next year.

Lifeline 131 114, MensLine 1300 789 978, beyondblue 1300 224 636