By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Narre Warren South childrens author Wida Tausif has written a book on aliens, and is now looking to rule the galaxy – in a sense.
As a national finalist in Miss Galaxy Australia, Ms Tausif hosted a fundraiser morning tea that raised more than $700 for Make A Wish Foundation.
The foundation grants wishes and enriching experiences to seriously ill children.
Ms Tausif – an Afghan refugee who has overcome schoolyard bullying and become an advocate for human rights – said the event was a chance to give back to her community.
“Raising funds for charity organisations is the best part about pageants,” Ms Tausif said.
“Organising a fundraising event was always on my childhood bucket list and Miss Galaxy made it happen.”
The morning tea at Oakgrove Community Centre on 27 January included auctions, raffles, henna tattoos and face painting as well as speeches by Casey councillors Rex Flannery and Susan Serey.
Ms Tausif released her latest book Aliens Don’t Belong On Earth last year. It’s a tale about an alien trying to lure humans away from Earth to a non-existent chocolate planet.
But ultimately the book reveals the value of friendship, respect and honesty.
The prolific author is working on a memoir of growing up as a refugee in New Zealand.
Ms Tausif has previously been crowned as Miss Intelligent at a recent Miss South Asian Australasia contest in Melbourne.
She fronts the national finals as Victoria’s representative in Miss Galaxy Australia in March.
