Today we’re chatting with Amy Stewart from Victoria, 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 Amy, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am 24 years old and was born and raised in Melbourne, VIC. I am a Human Resources Advisor, working in a boutique consultancy in Melbourne, and hold a Master’s in Human Resource Management. Outside of my career, I enjoy modelling and have recently signed with Icon Management. I also enjoy all things fitness-related and am almost always either in the Pilates studio or training for either my next running or HYROX event. I value travelling, enjoy trying new restaurants with my partner, and spending quality time with my friends and family.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Entering Miss Universe Australia, I knew I would be stepping outside my comfort zone, and that is exactly what drew me to the experience. As both an HR Advisor and model, I value opportunities that encourage personal and professional growth. The program offers a unique combination of public speaking, confidence-building and self-development, while allowing me to connect with inspiring people from across the country and collaborate with a diverse range of sponsors. Thelma Rodriguez’s runway workshops have also strengthened my confidence, presentation and communication skills—qualities that will be invaluable throughout both my modelling journey and professional career.
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?
Funnily enough, at the start of the year I told myself that Vietnam was on my bucket list for 2026. Little did I know I would be there through the MUA program. The experience was absolutely a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’. We fit so much into a little over a week and I got to experience opportunities that will likely rarely come around again: such as attending my very own swimsuit shoot on the beach of Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh, shooting for a portrait by David Bromley, whose painting I had on my wall growing up, meeting all of the extraordinary women from across the country, and spending our final night having dinner on the beach and dancing at Sailing Club Nha Trang completely dedicated to our attendance. These memories I will carry with me indefinitely.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
I will never forget modelling in front of David Bromley and Yuge for our portraits that they are creating for the gala night in August. The way David and Yuge spoke about the photographs they took of me and the emotive language they used was incredibly moving. It made me understand and appreciate art more than I ever had previously.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
I loved the swimwear shoot experience. I felt very confident in front of the camera, and the team made me feel so comfortable—particularly Sophia, who is the ultimate hype woman! My call time was at 4 am for my hair and makeup, and my shoot was scheduled for the final day of the trip. Safe to say I was worried about appearing tired during the shoot, but I was so excited in the morning; everything ran smoothly and felt very natural. I am really looking forward to seeing the final shots.
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?
One perspective that has changed for me recently is how I approach social media. Previously, I often felt anxious about posting because I worried about how others might perceive or judge me. This sometimes held me back from sharing experiences, achievements, and parts of my life that I was excited by. Through the Miss Universe Australia program, I have developed the confidence to express myself more authentically and share content without being guided by fear of other people’s opinions. I have realised that showing up online is not about seeking everyone’s approval; it is about using my platform with purpose, celebrating my journey, and connecting with others. I now feel more comfortable sharing who I am and all parts of my life with confidence.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
I take a holistic approach to life, striving to balance career success, health and fitness, personal growth, and the relationships that matter most to me. I aim to lead by example and strongly believe women should not pigeonhole themselves to one idea of success. My ambitions across my career, modelling, and fitness reflect the same determination: when I commit to something, I give it my absolute all. I have carried this mindset throughout the Miss Universe Australia program, and I would continue to embody this mindset if given the honour of being named Miss Universe Australia 2026.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
I want to go skydiving (for a third time) before the end of 2026.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I would love to work on a project focusing on greater investment, sponsorship, resources, and media coverage for women in sport. In particular, I want to explore why men’s sport is often perceived as more “entertaining” and receives significantly greater public attention. By better understanding the barriers affecting audience engagement, I would hope to identify meaningful ways to increase the visibility of female athletes, attract stronger sponsorship opportunities and, ultimately, improve their earning potential and career longevity.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Growth through discomfort”, which reflects my willingness to challenge myself and fully embrace new opportunities.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
A selfie of my boyfriend and I with a silly moustache filter over us (I am winding him up, my favourite hobby).
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
To live in the moment because time flies as you start to get older. I try to be more conscious of doing this by not touching my phone with friends or at dinner, as it is very easy to be around other people and find myself reaching for my iPhone.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
I can do a handstand and a cartwheel.
Where to Watch, Amy 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.
