Victorian model Maria Thattil has been crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020
Victorian model Maria Thattil has been crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 in the beauty pageant’s first virtual event due to COVID-19.
Entertainment
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Victorian model Maria Thattil has been crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 in the event’s first virtual final on Wednesday night.
Thattil, 27, is a content creator and brand ambassador who works in People and Culture for the Victorian government.
The Indian Australian beauty was one of four Victorians in the top 10 before claiming victory on the first day out of lockdown.
She was hoping to celebrate by going to McDonald’s with the other Victorian finalists.
“I could think of a good way to celebrate, to go to McDonald’s with the other girls here and we’re going to get some nuggets and we’re going to enjoy ourselves and that is the cherry on the cake,’’ she said.
Thattil said she entered because of how diverse last year’s finalists were, with Melburnian Priya Serrao taking out the title.
“I’m just pretty passionate about building a community, and overall just really excited to be here,’’ Thattil said.
“I’m a little bit chuffed to be honest, I’m a little bit lost for words.
“Winning this title to me is an example. There are a number of norms that have been challenged and broken in order for me to sit here in front of you as your Miss Universe Australia today.
“It goes to show the power of the mind and the ower of perspective can enable you to overcome any obstacle and any barrier to achieve what you set out to achieve. Doing this ultimately during a pandemic is proof of that.”
Thattil said Miss Universe Australia was never an area she was interested in but last year’s diverse finalists made her realise how enriching the program could be for women irrespective of their look, ambitions and beliefs.
The virtual event meant contestants had to create their own content and answer questions from judges virtually. Thattil admitted it was difficult after being in lockdown for almost eight months.
Miss Universe Australia organisers shipped a sash to each state in preparation.
Thattil was congratulated by the other finalists and former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins where the Victorians could gather after restrictions eased on Wednesday.
MUA creative director Sophia Barbagallo said elements of the digital final would remain for 2021.
“It’s a unique year that’s for sure. We are working with the finalists ... creating unique content that will become part of this livestream,” she said.
“We are excited to explore these digital options and are viewing COVID as a great push to further develop our Miss Universe Australia digital platform.”
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