अस्ट्रेलियाको धेरै कार्यस्थलहरुमा सजिलै विभिन्न पृष्टभूमि र जातियता प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने धेरै मानिसहरु भेट्न सकिन्छ। तर विज्ञापन क्षेत्र, जहाँ आकर्षक व्यक्तित्वहरु, वा मोडलहरु आम उपभोक्ताहरुलाई अपील गर्ने पेशा मा हुन्छन, त्यसमा भने एकै जातिको प्रभुत्व देखिन्छ।
तर यस मा पनि केहि परिवर्तन आउदै गरेको सहकर्मी लुक वाटर्सले तयार गरेको यस रिपोर्टमा उल्लेख गरिएको छ।
खासगरी मेलबर्न क्षेत्रमा अफ्रिकी तथा एशियाली मूलका मोडलहरुले बिस्तारै प्रभाव जमाउदै गरेको यस रिपोर्टमा बताइएको छ।
Fashion experts say a gradual shift toward ethnic diversity has been detected in Australian modelling but there is still a way to go.
Critics say the change is limited to less lucrative sectors of the industry, claiming mainstream advertising still does not accurately reflect the country's racial profile.
Most models engaged by the Melbourne-based agency F-R-M come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
But the South Sudanese-born aspiring model Subah Koj says most share a similar career objective.
"I hope to, one day, hopefully work for Victoria's Secret.That's one of my main goals. Or, to work for one of the big designers such as Prada or Gucci."
Agent Stephen Bucknall says some sectors of the industry, such as catwalk or runway work, are moving toward ethnic diversity.
But he says there is a lag when it comes to the industry's mainstream.
"The stuff that you see in-store, on posters, on billboards, on websites, the campaigns themselves are where the dollars are coming through."
Mr Bucknall cites the example of his highest-profile model, South Sudanese-born Ajak Deng, who struggles to get work in Australia but is considered one of the world's best.
"To make the big dollars, I've had to put them on planes -- put them into a market where they can make the advertising dollar alongside of the runway and the magazines."
Fashion photographer James Pipino has worked in the industry for a quarter of a century.
He says Australia's reputation is suffering as a result of the disparity.
"When an international comes to Australia, and they say, for example, 'Do a casting,' they'll find that the diversity's not there that they'd expect, say, in London."
But industry analyst Patty Huntington says she disagrees.
She says catwalk work drives future advertising imagery.
"I think it is definitely changing -- changing faster than some people realise, but not as fast as some would like."
Ms Huntington points to a range of recent examples.
There is Jessica Gomes, the current face of the retail giant David Jones.
There is another South Sudanese-born model, Yaya Deng, who fronts a major Westfield campaign.
And, she says, there is the distinctive Fernanda Hin Lin Ly, who worked extensively overseas before returning to major contracts in Australia.
"It doesn't get much more mainstream than Bonds. She's also the girl for Marks, which is also a mainstream, high-street* chain."
The models understand, ultimately, the economic bottom line drives decisions.
But many, like Subah Koj, say they are hoping they will have more opportunities to find success in their fickle industry-of-choice.
"I hope they see that we have a lot of potential and we're willing to work. And I'm very driven, so, hopefully, I can get booked for one of the big shows."
