Miss World Australia: Meet SA’s finalists competing for the crown
You beauty! The grand final of Miss World Australia is almost upon us. See who’s representing South Australia here.
Lifestyle
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It’s fair to say it has been a long time between beauty pageant queens for South Australia. Six years ago our own Olivia Molly Rogers was crowned Miss Universe Australia. And now we are in with a chance – no, make that three chances – to see a South Aussie take out the Miss World Australia title.
There were four SA finalists, but Miss World Australia national director Deborah Miller has confirmed Belinda Lesi decided to not continue her beauty pageant journey because she is pursuing overseas travel instead.
The contest at Mercure Gold Coast Resort starts August 15, with the winner being announced on August 18. So, now that the countdown is on, we’ve reached out to SA’s three finalists to find out what makes them tick and learn more about the comp’s “Beauty With A Purpose” campaign, which requires entrants to raise funds for Variety:
SOFIA BUTENKO
“I interpret ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ as a chance to portray inner beauty and make a positive impact.”
Born in Ukraine, this 20 year old, who lives in Adelaide, emigrated to Australia when she was six. Passionate about human rights, she is studying at UniSA; undertaking a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Global History, Politics and French.
On the books at talent agency RMT Management, she also works for Prouds.
Sofia almost dropped out of Miss World Australia, but decided not to, partly because she wanted to be a role model to the children and youth she mentors at Slava Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Goodwood, “Fear can get the best of you, but true strength comes from acknowledging it and giving things a try anyway,” she says.
What made you enter Miss World Australia?
I entered assuming I wouldn’t even get through the audition and almost dropped out of the South Australian competition as my nerves overtook me. I would always preach to the kids I teach in the Ukrainian community to step out of their comfort zones to allow room for growth, and that pushed me to uphold my word.
What is your answer to people who say it is just a beauty pageant or that is denigrating women?
People are often misled by the stigma that this competition is purely based on looks, and I have to admit I was under that impression until I started conducting my own research. You get to meet women from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences that shaped them.
If you win, how will you use your new status?
I strive for justice in an unjust world. War has drastic effects, especially for children. No child should ever endure the trauma war brings, and I want to work towards creating a safer future, one where innocent lives are not at risk.
Who is your idol and why?
My mother. She is the strongest person I know and has made me who I am today. Moving to a country with zero knowledge of English, and creating a future with my father, to provide us with the opportunity Australia brings makes me forever grateful.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome?
The impact of the war against Ukraine nearly broke me when the news first emerged. I couldn’t sleep properly, study, or enjoy activities for comfort, as I feared for my family, friends and people’s lives. It was hard to be so far away I wanted to be there to help, but it was unsafe. Large numbers of Ukrainian refugees fled to Australia, and help was crucial. My spirits regained as I realised I could still support my people.
Where did you go to school?
Prescott College Southern.
Are you single?
No. I have an incredible boyfriend.
Have you dated anyone with a profile?
Not to my knowledge.
Who is your celebrity crush?
I don’t have a celebrity crush, but I admire Audrey Hepburn. I find her story fascinating – how she persevered, given what she lived through, and I adore her movies!
You find $100 in the street. What do you do with it?
My conscience would not let me keep it. If the owner is not in sight, typically, any extra money I have will go towards humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Have you ever met anyone famous? What happened?
No, however, I like to imagine that it would be interesting to get to know them on a personal level.
If an alien landed on your doorstep how would you describe Australia to them?
Australia is rich in diversity and unique with its versatile culture. The ecosystem is unlike any other, with so many species exclusive to the country, and it is home to the world’s oldest continuing living culture – the First Nations people.
What is the first thing you would do if you were Prime Minister of Australia?
Many vital issues affecting Australians would need to be addressed, such as education, medical services, housing and rental prices, and indigenous rights. I would enact bills to provide more protection and ensure equal opportunity for those most vulnerable.
How can we achieve world peace?
History proves that humans in positions of power tend to abuse it. Many world leaders today are not fit for their role. Unfortunately, it is hard to say whether we will ever achieve world peace. However, we must strive towards it, and I am passionate about making that change by fighting for human rights.
What’s the last thing you ate?
Homemade banana bread.
PAULINE DANG
“This milestone for me signifies the progress we’ve made as a society towards embracing diversity and inclusion.”
Born and raised in Adelaide, with a Vietnamese and Chinese family heritage, this 26 year old from Mawson Lakes is already a trailblazer. “I’m the first Asian in a long time to become a national finalist for MWA, as well as being the first female physiotherapist working for SA’s high security forensic psychiatric facility,” she says of her role at SA Health. Describing herself as someone who breaks the beauty pageant stereotype, because she’s “muscly not bony”, Pauline also plans to serve as an Army Reserve physio.
What made you enter Miss World Australia?
I am hoping that I will be able to use MWA as a platform to advocate for causes that I hold close to my heart, including mental health and the impacts that social media has on body image in young women.
What is your answer to people who say it is just a beauty pageant or that is denigrating women?
While beauty pageants primarily focus on physical appearance, Miss World Australia does also have a strong emphasis on our public speaking, our accomplishments, talents, advocacy work and contributions to society.
If you win, how will you use your new status?
To promote a positive change and advocate for meaningful causes such as mental health, education, environmental conservation.
Who is your idol and why?
My idol and role model is my cousin-in-law Tung Ngo, who was the first Vietnamese member of parliament in South Australia. Just like him, I have always wanted to break stereotypes.
What is the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome?
I’d say it was when I survived in a car crash, where my car was totalled several years ago.
Where did you go to school?
St Peter’s Girls’ School. I was there from Reception to Year 12.
Are you single?
No.
Have you dated anyone with a profile?
Nope!
Who is your celebrity crush?
Actor Chris Evans.
You find $100 in the street. What do you do with it?
Give it to the nearest homeless person and make their day!
Have you ever met anyone famous? What happened?
Nope, but I hope to one day.
If an alien landed on your doorstep how would you describe Australia to them?
Known for its love of sports, especially cricket and footy, and its laid-back lifestyle, Australia has a rich indigenous history and a vibrant modern culture.
What is the first thing you would do if you were Prime Minister of Australia?
More public holidays!
How can we achieve world peace?
Through education. We can promote education and awareness about peace, tolerance, and human rights to cultivate a more compassionate community as a whole.
What’s the last thing you ate?
Falooda! The perfect healthy diet is always balanced with sweets!
MONTANA SADD
“Being a finalist is a huge honour. It has allowed me to build my confidence and help others to do the same. I also have more opportunity to help those in need by fundraising for Variety and volunteering at events.”
With Portuguese and Australian family heritage, this 19 year old, who lives in Evanston, is a disability support worker. Her other passion is dancing, and not just for health and fitness.
Montana has gone global, appearing at Disneyland, and has also toured Australia – performing in nursing homes and volunteering for Cancer Council and KidzWish. “I love to dance because it allows everyone, no matter how old, what race or whether they have a disability or not, to express emotion and communicate though it,” she says, adding: “I love how experimental I can be when I dance and I’m a quite creative person.”
What made you enter Miss World Australia?
I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and I believe the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ campaign is a great idea.
What is your answer to people who say it is just a beauty pageant or that is denigrating women?
I think they need to understand and acknowledge ‘beauty with a purpose’. They should familiarise themselves with our sponsors and our tasks, like fundraising for Variety the Children’s Charity.
If you win, how will you use your new status?
To encourage everyone to get out there and push themselves and to help comfort those who need guidance in situations they are faced with.
Who is your idol and why?
My mum because she is the hardest working person I know, always wants to help everyone and is so selfless – and she does it all with a smile on her face. She has been through some rough times, but she always bounces back.
What is the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome?
Either being bullied at school and receiving threats or moving away from home at 17.
Where did you go to school?
I started school in Wollongong, NSW, at Nareena Hills Primary School, moved to The Illawarra Grammar School, and then when I moved to Adelaide I attended Trinity College.
Are you single?
Yes.
Have you dated anyone with a profile?
No I haven’t.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Major celebrity would have to be Drake, or, for someone a little less famous, NRL player Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
You find $100 in the street. What do you do with it?
Try and work out who it belongs to, but if I couldn’t I would hand it in at the closest store and tell them if someone comes in for it, then it’s theirs
Have you ever met anyone famous? What happened?
I met Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman at the zoo when I was really young, Nicole did up my zipper in the bathroom for me! LOL!
If an alien landed on your doorstep how would you describe Australia to them?
I would describe Australia as a very laid back place with lots of opportunity. It is a very inclusive country and lots of international students are welcomed.
What is the first thing you would do if you were Prime Minister of Australia?
Change having to pay for visits to the doctor. So many people are sick and forced to work while sick, because just to see a doctor now at some places costs $90 a visit plus medication.
How can we achieve world peace?
Understand and appreciate everything around us and work together to keep everywhere a beautiful and happy place.
What’s the last thing you ate?
Fettuccine Carbonara.
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