We’re excited it’s that time of the year again when we get to introduce you to the contestants of Miss Universe Australia. We’re kicking off our eighth year of finalist interviews with Brooke McAuley from Victoria, one of the twenty-eight talented, and inspiring contestants from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2019.
So Brooke, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Brooke McAuley, from the beautiful (and very chilly) city of Melbourne! I work as a Freelance Ballet Dancer as well as a Brand Content Creator. I’m your typical Aussie girl, who loves being in the outdoors in the sunshine and travelling the world as often as I can. I feel most inspired when I am immersed in different cultures or when I’m performing on stage! I’m a very down to earth and humble person and I always try to see the positive side of things.
What would you say was your motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
I was my own motivation! I felt like I was ready for the next step in my life. I’m 26 years old, and I truly know who I am, I was ready to put ‘Brooke’ out there! If I’m going to go for something I will go in 110%, nothing in between.
Another motivation was my humble little audience on social media, this has given me a huge responsibility as someone to inspire others and to set a positive example on various matters in life. Therefore, I feel like this has given me a taste of what this amazing title and platform ‘could’ be like. (however, on a much larger scale!) And that’s something I’m so hungry for!.
The program is certainly full of amazing experiences in the lead-up to finals, You’ve just returned from the National Finalist Trip to Bali staying at the sensational Alila Hotels. How was this experience?
You got that right! It definitely was not your average Aussie trip to Bali! Alila Hotels were absolutely phenomenal and I loved that they retained so much Balinese tradition in their design, which is really hard to find these days in Bali. The MUA Bali trip was one of those experiences where ‘you just had to be there’ – I find it hard to put such an epic week into words! Some days were challenging, some days were uncomfortable, some days were exciting. I felt like this trip really tested my strengths and weaknesses, in the best way possible! Above all, it was just so so much FUN!
The Bali Trip is a combination of finals boot camp, personal development and team bonding exercise with a tropical escape thrown in for good measure, what would you say are some of the best things you’ll take away from the trip?
A killer tan! (kidding!) we really did not have lot of down time to work on a tan, however, I did have time to work on myself though the ‘Powerful Impressions’ workshop, as well as make some pretty special relationships. 28 new relationships to be exact! I’m sure I won’t be the only girl who mentions how lucky we were to make such special bonds with the other beautiful National Finalists on the trip.
So now you’re home and, winter has set in and the finals are only just around the corner, how are you feeling in the leadup to Melbourne and what sort of preparation are you doing before finals week?
I’m not going to lie; I am very nervous! Which is surprising for me as you’d think I would be used to being on stage after 20 years worth of Ballet dancing…. However this time it’s a whole different ball game, being on stage for Ballet is soo different to being on stage for Miss Universe. When I am on stage for Ballet, it is something I have been rehearsing for weeks..months! I know everything that is going to happen in that performance. As for the MUA competition, who knows what will happen on stage, or what results will be announced, or what questions may be asked, how I will react!? This time the process involves using my voice instead of my physical Ballet skills… Although the one thing in common is a smile, that doesn’t go astray on stage 🙂
As for preparation? The last two weeks I’ve been working out by doing daily K-kore classes as well as Ballet classes, eating as clean as I can… and reading one hell of a lot of newspapers!
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think sets you apart from the other contestants?
There truly is so much individual flair in each participant and it’s been so inspiring being amongst so many girls from different walks of life.
Something I believe that sets me apart is my experience on stage and being comfortable in front of an audience. I have a very positive mindset and presence and I feel I bring this into any situation, wherever I go. I have a strong work ethic from my years of Ballet training and most importantly, I feel I can talk to anyone 🙂
Your next question comes from Simon Ross of Minespec Parts
How much of a deciding factor for entering this year, was the Minespec Parts Grant of $20,000 to put towards your education or business startup?
To be completely honest with you, before entering the competition I had no idea that this incredible grant was on the cards! I am not driven by money, especially as this has always been a title we are competing for, not a cash prize. However, it most definitely is a motivation as I know exactly how I would spend that money and what difference it would make on some very special young lives. (explained in my following answer 🙂
And if you were lucky enough to receive the grant, what would you spend it on and why?
I am proudly involved with the ‘Growing Through Education Foundation’ (GTEF), a very special charity to me whose aim is to empower communities in India out of poverty through education. Earlier this year the team and I travelled to India to check in on the schools and villages we help with, to see what needs to be further improved. This year we visited a new village called ‘Sherwani’, whose humble little school had so much potential to grow and develop, especially as there were so many young children attending who were hungry to learn!
$20,000 would go towards the uplift of the Sherwani school! This would entail funding a school program, as well as funding the teachers to get better educational outcomes for their students, including the resources required to deliver that. This would multiply the effect of that $20,000 many times over.
GTEF have demonstrated this in similar schools in the area, the growth of these students and what they have gone on to do with their lives has been an incredibly rewarding result. I would love to make this a reality for the children of Sherwani.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I spent a year living in Germany! After graduating form the Australian Ballet School, I was lucky enough to land my first professional job as a Ballet dancer with the ‘Dresden Semper Opera Ballet.’ It was the most rewarding year…although sadly, I didn’t pick up much of the German language as the whole Ballet company communicated in English!
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you or someone you know recently?
Watching my dog ‘Trevor’ run at full speed into the glass door…. Funny but not? I thought Kelpies were suppose to be an intelligent breed…
As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult, but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be?
Being ‘old enough’ to wear high heels… those things hurt!
Who is someone that inspires you on a day to day basis?
Always has an always will be, Tennis player Andre Agassi. His story is a really amazing one and I aspire to his work ethic, determination and motivation, especially when times get tough!
Brooke is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey; Please consider donating by clicking here.
Presenting Sponsor
Minespec Parts are proud to be the presenting sponsor for Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.
