The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 28.
We are chatting with Amy Lee Dixon, from Victoria who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
Something a little unusual about me is I grew up in Thailand for a large portion of my life, I moved every two years as a child back and forth which gave me such a wonderful experience of both Australian and Thai culture. I can also cook some pretty mean Thai banquets… I started modelling at age 12 in Australia, then was given an opportunity to model overseas from the age of 14. I modelled throughout Asia, the United Kingdom and Italy by the time I was 20. I moved back to Australia when I was 23 to study. I am now in my third year of my Bachelor of Laws and working for the Department of Health and Human Services for the Victorian Government as a Secretariat Officer. My travels have taught me a lot about how lucky we are in Australia, and I hope to one day use my experiences and education to pursue a career in human rights.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
Bali was a surreal experience. We were super lucky enough to stay at Alila Resorts. Every Alila resort was unbelievably stunning. We usually started our day with yoga or meditation, we then had a form of development workshop, interview or photo shoot. One of our first days we had a gorgeous morning with children from the Sari Hati Centre which was a school for children with special needs. We were taught a traditional fruit salad recipe, some pretty challenging dance moves (for us) and we got schooled at soccer (standard for me). The trip itself also gave us some insight into Miss Universe Australia. Its much more relaxed, fun and natural than people and even I would have imagined. It is all about the girls having fun, enjoying the experience and walking away better than they went in. Goal achieved!!
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
My highlight would be the powerful impressions workshop. We were all very engaged in the workshop from the beginning and learned a lot about working and interacting with others with different personalities and traits. It was a valuable workshop, and I will take skills away from that workshop that I will use in the future.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
Bali was the best prep I could have had, coming from Melbourne where I run into the sun whenever it decides to say hello, I soaked up as much vitamin D as humanly possible. Now I’m back in Melbourne, in the weeks leading up I am just trying to be as healthy and focused as I can be. I want to put forward the best most authentic version of myself come finals week that I can which requires as much time as possible to reflect on that. But let’s be completely honest, outside of that..dress fittings, hair appointments, I could go on…
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
Every girl in this competition is worthy of the Miss Universe Australia title in my opinion; they have all displayed kindness, compassion, confidence and intelligence which are all attributes that Miss Universe should have. I can only speak for myself when I say that what I would bring to the role is my experience culturally and my strong desire to help others. Growing up in Thailand I witnessed a lot of poverty which really shaped my priorities in life. I think the most important role for Miss Universe is to help others, influence and spread awareness.
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
There are a lot of things that motivate me each day, but I would say the most common thought I have every day that drives me is just to be better, to take small steps to improve my skills, be a better person and to achieve whatever goal is in front of me. I always have since I was a child wanted to help others, and the more I do for myself, and the better I am, the more I am equipped to help others to do the same.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I like to eat Maltesers and popcorn together; I know weird right?
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
I’m going to be that biased girl and say Thailand, the beaches are to die for, the food is amazing, the people are beautiful and it’s my second home…
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
One of the hardest things for women to do, especially in this day and age is to feel comfortable in their own skin. Miss Universe is a great advocate for natural beauty and individuality. It promotes health, fitness, confidence and personality. To be comfortable in embracing those things will be what makes me or any girl in this competition shine in the future. I personally hated seeing myself in swimwear, or speaking in front of people; they were my two biggest fears. Being in this competition has made me overcome so many fears that created obstacles in my life, I know having faced it now I won’t have so many hesitations to embrace opportunities that come my way in the future.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
My housemate ate my Maltesers then replaced them and ate the replacement packet too…I found it quite amusing.
Name five things you can’t live without?
In no particular order but I will be honest… number 1. My phone! 2. Coffee, I meet people on occasion that don’t drink coffee, and I look at them like they are superheroes 3. Asian food, the best food in the world right? 4. My parents, I know they aren’t “things”, but I couldn’t live without them 5. My Nannas engagement ring, I have been wearing it for 17 years, and it always reminds me to have faith and trust whatever situation I am in. She was that kind of person.
How would your closest friend describe you?
I was actually not sure of this one, so I asked her.. Her response was: “I would describe you as extremely loyal, not afraid to speak your mind, stubborn, hardworking and you have as many layers as an onion”. Clearly, I have great taste in humans too.
Are pageants really like Miss Congeniality?
Yes with more food 🙂
