It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Ally Draper of Western Australia, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.
So, Ally, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
My name is Ally Draper, I’m 24 years old and I was born in the UK before growing up in Melbourne and then moving to Perth in 2019. I’m a manager at a global recruitment agency and I own a pamper party business for little girls that I started when I was 19. I describe myself as outgoing, driven and loyal. I love challenging myself, having fun, but most importantly, I love my friends, family and, of course, my dog.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
As previously mentioned, I love to challenge myself. I was a victim of domestic violence and for a long time, I felt ashamed and silenced. The Miss Universe platform offers me the opportunity to speak openly about domestic violence when I never thought I could. I will use the platform to not only educate others but also to hopefully help someone with a similar life experience by acting as a role model and showing them that you can do anything you want and it will be okay.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
I’d never been to Vietnam before and I loved the entire experience. Hoiana is beautiful and full of incredible culture and community. VietJet provided a super easy travel experience with a lovely crew. Hoiana Resort and Golf was such a luxurious resort with everything you could want or imagine all within the complex—including multiple pools, a beach club, a casino, shops, delicious restaurants, a gym, a spa, and more. I would highly recommend Hoiana Resort and Golf and can’t wait to book my next trip!
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
Aside from the most incredible food ever! I always look back on our visit to Hearing and Beyond. Seeing what our fundraising goes towards and the impact it has on the children was so rewarding. It was such a beautiful morning with the children teaching us sign language, and I felt so happy to be a part of this and know that our donations will change their lives.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
The NIDA workshop we had for a whole day definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone. We were challenged to work on our public speaking and our confidence. Not only did it involve activities to help with tone and volume when we speak but also the importance of our body language and stance. Overall, the workshop was very rewarding and we’ve all taken away helpful tips and tricks to utilise at the National Final.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?
As a victim of domestic violence, I felt ashamed for a very long time. As I have gotten older, I’ve realised I’m not alone, and I’ve chosen not to let my past limit how I live my life moving forward. It now pushes me to want to achieve as much as I can by using my past as motivation. If I had the opportunity to give my younger self advice, it would be to not let anything prevent you from going after your dreams and keep working hard to achieve what you want. I hope to be a role model to others in this way one day.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
Every finalist in the MUA program is amazing in their own way. What sets me apart is my life experiences and how they have shaped me into the person I am today. I have chosen not to let my past define me or limit my ability to chase dreams and achieve my goals. I am more resilient because of my past and use it as fuel. I now have the confidence to share my story with others and encourage them to do the same.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
Anyone that knows I was a victim of domestic violence is very surprised at first. I often get the reaction “but you’re so happy” or “but you’ve achieved so much.” It is because of these reactions that I want to be a role model for other girls and help them overcome similar experiences as I have. I want to educate people on the severity of violence against women. Unfortunately, it is far too common, even for people you know.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I would love the opportunity to write a book and speak at schools to educate our younger generations on domestic violence. I believe if we want to see any change, it starts with educating people from a young age. This will help to prevent situations from ever starting or stopping them much sooner by giving victims the resources and strength to come forward.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
I’d love to learn and master another language. Specifically, sign language as it is universal and I could communicate with people all over the world.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I have been on many adventures as I love to travel. One adventure I look back on was in Year 9, when we had a 3-month camp with no parents or electronics. We lived in houses with five other girls where we cooked for ourselves and did farm chores. This was a challenging experience for a 14-year-old girl but nonetheless a very rewarding one that I am happy I had.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
My guilty pleasure is a McDonald’s drive-through. My go-to order would have to be nuggets, fries and a chocolate thick shake.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
I would love the ability to teleport. Travelling is my favourite thing to do, so I would teleport between as many countries as possible in a day.
Help Ally and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Ally, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
