Today we’re chatting with Aimee Wills from Western Australia, one of 28 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2026 crown, to be decided on August 26 at Palladium, Crown Melbourne. In a first for the pageant, this year’s national final will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network.
So Aimee, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am 21 from Perth, WA. I’m the oldest of three, which should make me the organised, tidy sibling, but somehow I’ve ended up firmly at the bottom of that ranking. I love staying active, eating meals big enough to feed a small herd, and spending my paycheck on three essentials: fuel, food, and shopping. I just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, which is more than just looking at rocks. Despite what most people think, geology is actually far more interesting than it sounds.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I wish I had some deep, life-changing reason, but the truth is I just saw an opportunity and went for it. I’m a very “say yes first, figure it out later” kind of person, and Miss Universe Australia felt like one of those experiences that only comes around once. I knew I’d meet incredible people, learn a lot about myself, and have some amazing stories to tell, so taking the leap felt like an easy decision.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. How was that experience for you?
Vietnam was absolutely amazing! Not many people get to say they were flown to Vietnam with a bunch of kind, fun, beautiful girls, get all dressed up, and spend their days taking photos, but I can. I feel like I really thrived over there, becoming besties with the girls and putting myself out there more than ever. I’m so grateful for the experience and all the memories that came with it.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
I don’t have one specific moment, but I’ll never forget how close my roommate, Caity, and I became. It’s still so weird to think that we’d never met and had no idea who each other were before the trip. By the end, we were doing each other’s makeup and walking around naked in our hotel room like sisters. We became so comfortable around each other in such a short amount of time, and that’s something I’ll always remember.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The swimwear shoot with Unnecessary was honestly one of the most fun parts of the trip. The waves were huge that day, so half the time I was trying not to get dragged away by the backwash while still attempting to look graceful for the camera. It definitely wasn’t as effortless as the photos hopefully look! I was constantly bracing myself against the waves and trying to stay upright; I’m pretty sure it’s the most I’ve ever used my abs in my life.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Lexie Brant. What is one belief or perspective that you’ve changed your mind about recently, and what caused that change?
Recently, I’ve changed my mind about how quickly people can become important in your life. I always thought the people you get really close with were people you’d known for years, but this year proved me wrong. Some of the girls I met started out as complete strangers, and by the end it felt like we’d been friends forever. It made me realise that connection isn’t really about time. Sometimes all it takes is being open, sharing new experiences together, and getting to know each other on a deeper level.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
I think what makes me different is that I go into things without a second thought. I’m a really optimistic person, and I don’t usually get nervous or stressed about the outcome. That’s why I love putting myself out there and trying new things. I tend to focus on the positives and don’t automatically assume the end result will be bad.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
Before the end of 2026, I’d love to finally start a hobby with my mum. We’ve been talking about it for years, but we’ve never actually committed to it. I’ll probably be moving out of home in the next few years, and I’d love for us to have something we do together every couple of weeks. It doesn’t really matter what it is; I just think it would be a nice way to spend time together and make it part of my routine.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Beauty and a Beat” – Justin Bieber
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Before and after photos of me cleaning my room. My room is usually a complete mess, so whenever I finally clean it, I like to either film a timelapse or take before-and-after photos to show how different it looks. Mostly so I can prove to my mum that it doesn’t always look like it’s been burgled.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“You’re too tall for heels.” Growing up I was always one of the tallest people in the room, so I used to not wear heels or slouch to blend in with the majority. But my aunty is 6’1″ and wears heels whenever she wants, and watching her be so confident in her height helped me stop worrying about mine. She showed me that I didn’t need to make myself smaller to fit in. So now if I like the heels, I’m wearing the heels.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
My completely useless talent is that I can shake my eyeballs. I don’t know why I can do it or how I discovered it, but I love showing people. Unfortunately, it’s less impressive and more terrifying, and usually leaves people wondering what’s wrong with me.
Where to Watch Aimee on the Miss Universe Australia National Final
The Miss Universe Australia National Final is being broadcast live on Seven Network on August 26, 2026. The live red-carpet coverage will begin at 7:00pm AEST, followed by the National Final at 7:30pm AEST on 7plus. The program then airs on Channel Seven following The Front Bar.
