Well it is that time of year when the search to find the new Miss Universe Australia begins and this Sunday at the Grand Chancellor Surfers Paradise the judging panel will select the Queensland entrants in the Miss Universe Australia pageant
Starting off our weekend of coverage we have a chat with Portia Large one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the State Final held in April.
Portia is a freelance presenter, producer of 92.5 Gold Fm’s Rush Hour show and surfer. Renowned for her endless energy, being a positive community leader and past recipient of the Order of Australia award and proudly shares her experiences and all things the coast has to offer on her blog “Your Girl Guide to the Gold Coast”.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today Portia Why did you decide to get involved in Miss Universe? What dre you to such a competition …?
It feels like a natural progression to be a part of Miss Universe Australia. All my life I’ve been focused on empowering others, from community service and leadership, to interviewing people from all walks of life to reveal their passions. I feel the Miss Universe pageant is an opportunity represent our incredible country and to empower others to make a difference.
The Miss Universe pageant is about empowering women. What do you this is the most important when it comes to empowering women?
In order to empower others, you must yourself be empowered. If you lack a skill necessary to your success, apply yourself until this performance gap is one of your greatest qualities. With a thirst for knowledge, excellent work ethics and deep determination to succeed, there is no doubt in my mind that women can empower themselves. Listen to your intuition, trust in your abilities and love yourself the way you are. Afterall, you create your life in every moment.
If you are successful in the Miss Universe Pageant you will become a role model to many young girls. What do you think are the attributes of a good role model …?
I believe a great role model not only leads by example but also observes and listens. Often I learn, simply by observing others. When you present yourself positively every day you are shaping those who observe and admire you.
I’ve received a lot of feedback which suggests I inspire others to venture beyond their comfort zone. If I can bring a smile to another’s face, inspire action or positivity I feel I’ve found my life’s purpose.
Who is your role model?
Malala Yousafzai
Other than winning the Miss Universe Pageant, What would you say are your biggest aspirations…?
Establishing and managing my own small business by 19 years of age, I was fortunate enough to gain a practical insight into the business world and am hungry to learn more and challenge myself further. I’d like to channel my knowledge to help and connect others. Next year I hope to team up with Flight Centre Australia producing and presenting content which reveals our country’s hidden gems, inspirational people and stories.
The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of association with Charity. Are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe advance?
Growing up sailing the Whitsunday islands with my family, I became fiercely passionate about Wild Life and Environmental Conservation. Founding my own organizations the environmental ‘Eco Kids Club’ supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the ‘Bee a friend, Lend a Hand’ book collection in support of Aboriginal Foster Children; And this is what led to Portia receiving the Order of Australia Award
The charities above are close to my heart and my next mission is to raise funds for Queensland children and teenagers living with life-limiting conditions so that they too can achieve their own dreams. I’ve been selected as an official Ambassador for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and will be running my first half-marathon to raise funds for the Hummingbird House.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be?
Your overnight success story is always a result of everything you’ve done in your life until that moment. It won’t happen overnight.
Be patient and enjoy the journey.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today Portia !!
