Millaa Millaa’s Rielli Portegys vies for Miss Universe Australia crown

MILLAA Millaa beauty Rielli Portegys will trade in the tractor at her family dairy farm for a tiara as she contests the Miss Universe Australia state finals in April.

Rielli Portegys was recently selected as the only contestant in the Far North to contend for the title of Miss Universe Australia at state finals in April. Picture: Natasha Emeck

MILLAA Millaa beauty Rielli Portegys will trade in the tractor at her family dairy farm for a tiara as she contests the Miss Universe Australia state finals in April.

The James Cook University graphic design student, 20, will be the only Far North entrant to vie for the title this year, but she goes to the finals in Brisbane with no expectations.

“Pageants and beauty competitions are definitely not my thing. I’m a farm girl at heart,” she said.

“I wanted to challenge myself because I’ve always struggled with confidence when it comes to public speaking.

“I guess getting on stage in a bikini and speaking in front of a huge crowd is definitely one way of overcoming those kind of fears.”

She is far more confident when it comes to manual work such as fencing paddocks.

“I’m not great when it comes to styling like the other contestants,” she said.

“But I think my rural upbringing gives me some unique qualities. I think working on my family farm instilled a tough work ethic in me.”

Ms Portegys said she would use the competition’s platform to raise awareness of drug abuse across the country, especially in rural communities.

She will be fundraising for children’s charity Toy Box.

Originally published as Millaa Millaa’s Rielli Portegys vies for Miss Universe Australia crown