Today we’re chatting with Chloe Ryan-Uhlich from Queensland, 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 Chloe, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Chloe, and this is my second time competing in Miss Universe Australia. The first time I entered, I was working in retail and corporate. Since then, life has changed a lot.
A few years ago, I was hit by a car, and it completely changed my perspective. After recovering, I took the biggest risk of my life and started my own social media agency, No Milk Media. Now, I’m also expecting my first baby, and I’ll be halfway through my pregnancy at nationals.
If life has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t always control what happens, but you can choose how you move forward.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I’m a very different person to the woman who competed a few years ago.
Since then, I’ve recovered from a major accident, built a business from scratch, and now I’m preparing to become a mum. I wanted to come back because I feel like I have so much more to offer.
I want women to know that life changing doesn’t mean your dreams have to.
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?
It was incredible. I did have a few unexpected health challenges while I was there, but they definitely didn’t take away from the experience.
It was such a special trip and one I’ll always be grateful for. The girls, the team, and the opportunities we had made it an experience I’ll never forget.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
Definitely the beach banquet.
It started pouring rain, and instead of letting it ruin the night, everyone just laughed. Our dresses were soaked, and we ran back through the resort together. It was chaotic and so much fun.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
Looking back, I was actually unwell and had no idea I was pregnant.
I wasn’t feeling my best, but there was no way I was missing that opportunity. The team made everyone feel confident and supported, and it ended up being one of my favourite experiences.
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?
I used to think resilience meant pushing through everything.
Now I think it’s about being open to change. Some of the biggest moments in my life weren’t planned, but they’ve shaped who I am in the best ways.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
I think what sets me apart is the amount of life experience I’ve gained at a young age and the perspective that has given me.
I’ve been through some incredibly challenging moments, from losing a family member to terminal brain cancer to surviving a serious accident that changed my life. But I don’t think what sets me apart is what happened to me; it’s how I’ve chosen to move forward.
At 25, I’ve rebuilt myself, built a business, competed in Miss Universe Australia twice, and now I’m preparing to become a mum. I think those experiences have taught me adaptability, gratitude, and the importance of embracing change.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
Learn how to change a nappy!
And continue growing my business before bub arrives, because becoming a mum doesn’t mean my goals stop.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
Little Chloe would absolutely love to have a role in a film, but honestly, getting the opportunity to work with someone like Baz Luhrmann or Christopher Nolan would be a dream come true.
I’ve actually been lucky enough to work as an extra on sets including Narnia at Warner Bros, Young Rock, and The Bureau of Magical Things. Even getting one line in a film would be incredible.
I studied an International Baccalaureate in Theatre and Film from Year 10 to 12, performed in multiple school musicals, and was even a lead in The Sound of Music.
It might surprise people now, but acting has always been a huge dream of mine.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.
This year has challenged me in every way possible and reminded me that growth starts with the person looking back at you.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Two ultrasound photos and thousands of client videos.
That’s basically my personality at the moment.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Money doesn’t buy happiness.”
Money isn’t happiness, but it creates opportunity. It gives people access to healthcare, security, and the ability to help others. That’s incredibly powerful.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
Before my accident, I could open bottles with my teeth.
Now it’s doing the worm… although I’ll probably wait until after the baby’s here before attempting that again.
Where to Watch, Chloe 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.
