Hi Tess ,
Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions ahead of this weekends event  

What prompted you to take the leap to the Miss Universe Australia pageant? 

I have always been interested in the “Miss Universe” competition; the beautiful girls, their achievements and their ambitions. I think this competition is about showcasing the success of young girls today, and highlighting their inspirational accomplishments. I, myself have looked up to previous “Miss Universe Australia” Winners, and have been encouraged by their enthusiasm for helping today’s society, and their good natured personality, I hope one day, people will look up to me, as I have looked up to others.

 Have your friends and family encouraged you to pursue this dream?

My friends and family have been a massive support throughout my life. When my proud parents congratulate me on achievements I have obtained throughout my life, I can’t help but thank them in return; for they created the person I am today. And that essential knowledge, combined with their everlasting guidance, love and support have nurtured and motivated me, to the success I strive for.
 

There are a lot of impressive looking people involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant. What makes you stand out? What have you got that the other girls don't?

I hope to add a ‘vibrance’ to the competition. I am a fun, and joyful girl, with plenty of personality. I believe happiness is a quality one can’t help but share. To bring joy, to bring happiness, to make people smile; its something everyone can relate to, identify with, and enjoy. My personal motto is: You are never fully dressed without a smile

The way a girl looks plays a huge role in her self esteem. We are being constantly influenced and bombarded by so many sources, and driven to replicate these extreme, un realistic goals. Unfortunately, today’s society implies that everyone must look a certain way, dress the same, be the same. We all know that this is not actually the case and being different is ok. However this is all too quickly forgotten, when conformity surrounds us everyday.

I hope that personally I can add that point of difference.  I have white skin and red hair… I do not look the way stereotypical pageant girls are perceived to look. Yet I am successful and happy… I would love it if other girls were inspired by my “differences” to embrace their own uniqueness.

Organisers and contestants often insist these competitions are not just about parading beautiful people around on a stage, that it brings something more to the community. What do you think Miss Universe Australia brings to the community?

I think one of the first impressions of ‘Miss Universe Australia’ is of young women, excelling and achieving great results in both their personal and professional lives, showcasing the amazing wealth of talent Australian girls and women have to offer the community.

Another wonderful part of the event is that is has as its focus, the active fundraising that goes to help many diverse charities who are always desperate for any assistance the community has to offer. Having fundraising organised under the banner of Miss Universe Australia allows the community to contribute generously to these charities.