Today we’re chatting with Chelsea Ameduri from Western Australia, 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 Chelsea, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m 23, from Perth, Western Australia, and am also half Italian. For the past 5 years, I’ve owned my own dress hire business, We Buy You Hire. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, Pilates, and boxing. I also love to sing.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Miss Universe Australia is a program I’ve known about for years; my sister got into states 10 years ago, and a few of my friends have also done it in past years. I got approached on Instagram to apply, and I honestly thought there is no way I could do this, but I changed my mindset to go towards things I thought I couldn’t do, and it’s brought me to National Finals and hopefully Miss Australia.
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?
Having the opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh was unreal. Meeting all the other beautiful National Finalists and to be able to stay in such an amazing resort is something I’ll never forget. The atmosphere and staff were so friendly; it felt like a dream staying there.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
One moment from the trip that I won’t forget is singing ‘Valerie’ in front of the Miss Universe team after dinner on the beach.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary was a completely new experience for me—I’ve never done a swimwear photoshoot before. It was very much out of my comfort zone, but the Miss Universe team made me feel so comfortable and it ended up being so creative and fun!
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?
In 2026, I’ve learnt to believe to not chase the things you want in life, but to become the person that is capable of handling the life you vision for yourself. Once I stopped chasing the things I wanted and focused on myself, those things naturally came to me.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
All the National Finalists are all unique in their own way. However, I believe that I am unique because my beauty starts from within; if you’re not a beautiful person on the inside, you aren’t going to be beautiful on the outside. I am someone who says it how it is, but would always take the time to speak to anyone—I am someone people would want sat at their table.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
Before the end of 2026, I want to learn how to make clothes on a sewing machine.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
A dream project that I would love to do is create my own successful clothing brand for women for dresses and sets that make women feel confident and classy, which I’m currently working on!
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
My 2026 theme song would be ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield, as it’s a completely new, amazing chapter in life for me and I feel like I’ve rewritten myself this year.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
The most “you” thing sitting in my camera roll would be a photo of me holding my future kids’ little Ugg boots I bought, as I can’t wait to be a mum and have a family one day.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
The best piece of advice that I’ve ever ignored is to “wait until you’re ready”.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
A completely useless talent I have that I’m weirdly proud of is that I can reverse parallel park on the first try.
Where to Watch, Chelsea 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.
