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 Brooke Rogers, from TAS who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I live in the beautiful town of Hobart in Tasmania. I have grown up here and have lived in the same house my whole life! I currently work in hospitality, and I love being able to connect with new people every day. I am working toward a career in photography and videography, but I also adore being on the other side of the camera. Each month I head to our local race track or the one up north and love getting behind the wheel! I recently helped my dad complete my very first race car.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
It was so amazing! We stayed at three of the stunning Alila Hotels. We started our trip at Alila Ubud which was so amazing and calming being surrounded by nature. Although the monkeys were continuously trying to snatch a snack! We then moved onto Alila Seminyak which is located right on the beach front. This resort blew my mind when we arrived. So many beautiful spots throughout the whole premises! We finished off our trip at the stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu. This location is nothing short of amazing, and every spot was picturesque.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
We got to participate in such a rewarding workshop, Powerful Impressions hosted by Egami Institute. This workshop is so helpful! It brought me out of my comfort zone, talking in front of a group and connecting with the girls in a different light. We were given the Personality Cards and told to pick one most like us, it was difficult only to choose one, but it was so amazing and eye-opening being able to talk to like-minded people. Expressing why we do certain things or why certain situations may make us feel uncomfortable. It was extremely helpful to understand how to interact with the different personality cards. This experience will help us with job interviews, public settings and just communicating on a daily basis.
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?
I have come home to freezing cold Tassie, so it’s a change! I want to stay true to myself throughout the whole competition, so I don’t want to change my everyday life drastically. However, I’m focusing on fuelling my body with nutritious foods and getting enough sleep so I can conquer Melbourne! I am feeling so excited for the finals week. I grew up dancing and have always loved stepping on stage so I can’t wait to get up on that stage and show the judges what I am made of!
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?
It’s so fun to see how different we all are! I can be a little bit of a tomboy, and I love motorsport and getting behind that wheel. I can’t wear my heels to the race track! I can bring my little tomboy flare to the competition and have so much fun with it.
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
My Great Nan motivates me daily! She is 88 years young and has had two strokes. She is happily living on her own and is doing amazing. I know myself, I sometimes take things for granted, and I always remember how happy and content she is. She refuses to ever go into a nursing home and is determined to be able to live independently. She never let two stokes get in her way! She motivates me never to give up, no matter how bad a situation may seem. It could always be worse. So I aim to make the most of my life while I still can!
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I have danced since I was four years old. In 2016 a team of us were lucky enough to represent Australia in an international competition held in Hawaii! It was such a fantastic experience, and I got to do it with my best friends. I love dancing, learning new choreography and new skills. Getting to design and make costumes and then perform it on stage! The whole process is so fun and enjoyable. I recently stopped dancing as it got too hard trying to find time with working in hospitality. I would like to go back and keep my passion alive.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
My favourite place would probably have to be in a massage room! Haha, I can’t have my phone or any device on me, so it allows me to disconnect and focus on my breathing and relaxing. Plus its always nice to get a Massage!
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?
Throughout my Miss Universe Australia journey, I have started to focus on my health, and I am finding it quite interesting, so I would like to further my knowledge and be able to pass it on to those around me as well! In Bali, we were lucky enough to experience yoga, tai chi and some boxing sessions. This has encouraged me to open up to new workout routines and to mix it up! I participated in Miss Universe Australia last year, and the program really helped to bring me out of my shell, helping me more confident and comfortable in who I am. I hope this year I will continue to flourish and continue to learn about myself and where I want to be in life.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I can’t think of one off the top of my head! However, I do remember while in Bali with the Miss Universe Australia girls. There were numerous times I would think I must be forming an eight pack with this much laughter! This years Bali trip was defiantly one to remember. It was such a fun experience, and everyone got in on the fun.
Name five things you can’t live without?
Five things I can’t live without. Defiantly my lip balm! My planner as I’m a very visual person and like to write things down! My teddy of course. A good face mask, I love winding down at the end of the week with a face mask and a tv show. And lastly, I would probably have to say my phone, to keep in touch with all my new friends and family!
How would your closest friend describe you?
I just asked a friend, and she said ‘a blonde ball of fun!’ haha. I like to be very down to earth and real. I’m organised! My room may be a mess, but it’s an organised mess. I like to be there for my friends if I have experienced something similar I will always do my best to comfort them and let them know about my experience.
What do you love about Tasmania?
Tasmania is amazing in so many ways! It’s so easy to get anywhere because it is so small, it doesn’t take long to travel anywhere! Haha. The scenery is nothing short of amazing; there are so many great hidden little spots throughout Tasmania and of course the food!! Our produce is top notch, and I wish everyone could taste it.
Brooke is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here
