The announcement was made at the Golden Gateway Festival gala at the Ararat Town Hall.

Six princesses nominated themselves for the title, with Brooke Nicholson ultimately taking the crown.

Ms Nicholson raised money for Look Good, Feel Better – a charity dedicated to helping cancer patients feel good about themselves through make-up and hair tutorials.

Ms Nicholson was very emotional when she received the crown, because the charity was very close to her heart. 

“I volunteer there and I teach them how to apply make-up,” she said.

“They only do two workshops a year, so I wanted to have at least another one. I’ve raised enough money to have another one. 

“My Nan was diagnosed last year with cancer. 

“She passed away and she missed out on going to one because there were only two available. It would be really good to get another (workshop running).” 

Ms Nicholson was very happy she could achieve her charity goal, and equally thrilled that she could serve Ararat in the capacity of queen.

“I’m so excited. It’s so good to be a representative of Ararat and be a face of Ararat for the next 12 months,” she said.

Also announced on the night was the Charity Queen, an award that goes to the princess who raised the most funds in the lead-up to the festival.

The award went to Megan McCarron who raised $5120 for two charities – beyondblue and Ararat Legacy.

Between the six nominees a total of $14,349 was raised for their charities of choice, and prior to this year over the last 60 years a total of $48,000 has been raised for charity.

Ms McCarron also received the Shirley Sherbert Memorial Princess award, which is given to the runner-up for the title of queen.

Organiser Wilfred Dickeson labelled the night a huge success.

“We’ve not had a crowd this size for many a year,” he said.

The guest speaker was paralympian Richard Colman.