Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson found dead in Sydney apartment

New Zealand-born model and TV personality had a long history of depression

New Zealand-born model and TV personality Charlotte Dawson had a long history of depression (Getty Images)

Australian television personality and former model Charlotte Dawson has been found dead in her Sydney apartment.

Police were called in at an address in upscale Woolloomooloo at 11:15am on Saturday morning. Authorities are treating her death as non-suspicious.

A spokesperson said: "About 11am today police from Kings Cross local area command were called to Cowper Wharf Rd after the body of a woman was located in a unit.

"No suspicious circumstances at this stage and a report is being prepared for the coroner."

A friend alerted security at her apartment complex after she failed to show up for a lunch appointment and having not updated her Twitter account for 19 hours.

The former Australia's Next Top Model judge had a history of depression. She made headlines after she was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital following a torrent of abuse on Twitter in 2012 .

New Zealand-born Dawson, 47, was an active campaigner against bullying and frequently turned to social media to raise awareness about mental health issues.

She had been married to the former Olympic swimmer Scott Miller.

Actor and neighbour Russell Crowe led tributes on Twitter: "Charley D... just don't understand. There's not enough kind souls as it is. Rest in peace."

The Gladiator star reportedly broke down in tears at a restaurant when he was told of the news of her death. The two met when they were teenagers. They both left New Zealand to pursue careers in the entertainment industry in Australia.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key tweeted: "Shocked and saddened to hear of Charlotte Dawson’s death."

Fashion designer and fellow judge Alex Perry posted a photograph of the pair on Instagram saying: "We lost a beautiful, bright, shining girl. Rest in peace my sweetheart. I love you x"

A statement on Australia's Next Top Model's Facebook page said: "This is tragic news and deeply sad. Everyone at Foxtel is devastated. Our sympathies are with Charlotte's family and friends."

The investigation continues.