It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Courtney Spear of South Australia, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.
So, Courtney, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am from Adelaide, South Australia, where I was born and raised with an amazing and supportive family of five. I work as a clinical cancer pharmacist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where I review chemotherapy treatments and educate patients undergoing treatment. Outside of work, I have a love for dance—more recently, salsa—which is not only a lot of fun but also a great workout and an effective stress reliever. I describe myself as a happy, bubbly, and compassionate person who loves to help others.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Miss Universe Australia has always been a goal of mine. When my sister had an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury, changing her life in an instant, it made me realise how quickly life can change. This prompted me to seize every opportunity and to focus on educating the community about brain health and safety. I also want to inspire young girls to pursue their passions, showing that it’s okay to love both science and fashion or modelling. I aim to break down any stigma associated with choosing both and to communicate that women do not need to sacrifice one passion for another.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
This experience was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We were looked after so well, and it was such an incredible opportunity, thanks to the amazing Pink Tank team and sponsors. It allowed me to meet wonderful women, stay in a luxury resort with incredible restaurants, pools, and resources, and step out of my comfort zone. Vietnam is a truly beautiful country, and this is a trip that I will never forget.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
It is so hard to pick just one highlight. From the resort to visiting the children from Hearing and Beyond school, touring Vietnam, and meeting incredible women, the whole trip was fun, inspiring, and rewarding. The day we spent at Hearing and Beyond school stands out. The amazing children taught us sign language and welcomed us into their school. They were so excited to meet us and spend the morning playing games and activities—it’s a memory that I will always cherish.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
The official Miss Universe photoshoot was one of my favourite days. We had an amazing crew who made the whole experience so much fun, and I can’t wait to see the final result. This day was very different from my usual hospital job and pushed me out of my comfort zone in a positive way. While this was an unfamiliar experience for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and hope to be involved in similar experiences in the future.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that life will have its ups and downs, but everything happens for a reason. Keep moving forward and don’t be too hard on yourself because big things are coming. You should be really proud of yourself and what you have achieved. Everything will work out just fine!
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
All the girls in this program are amazing, and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to get to know them all and call them my friends. I believe what sets me apart is my unique purpose. With my background in healthcare and my ability to communicate effectively, I aim to become a leader and spokesperson for future generations, particularly young women. I want girls to recognise that it’s okay to study subjects that spark their interest and that intelligence and beauty are not mutually exclusive. I also want to raise awareness for the brain injury community and invisible disabilities to help educate the wider community and make the world a safer place for those with such disabilities. These are the passions that drive me. Combined with my love for the fashion industry and meeting inspiring people, I believe I can bring about real change. Miss Universe Australia, a celebration of Australian women, provides an exceptional platform for inspiring future generations—I am confident that I can contribute to this inspiration in a unique way.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
I have never mastered the skill of riding a bike! I have the balance and coordination required for dance and pilates, but riding a bike requires a different kind of balance that I haven’t yet figured out.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
My dream project is to create my own company with the objective of inspiring young women to seize their opportunities and realise their career potential. I want to continue building on my passion for motivating girls to study maths and science while also pursuing their interests in fashion, beauty, modelling, or any other passion they may have. I would love to present to schools, organise seminars, and create educational platforms to:
- Remove the stigma and expectations associated with certain industries or professions.
- Assist young women with pursuing their respective passions and careers post-school.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
I would love to master multiple languages. I love travelling and seeing the world, and this skill would allow me to better communicate with locals in any country I visit. It would be empowering and would help me embrace and understand different cultures.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Just before COVID, I travelled solo around Europe for two months. It was an intimidating experience, but it allowed me to grow as a person and meet some amazing people.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
Popcorn and M&Ms. Mixing them together makes the perfect movie snack!
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
The ability to heal people. As I work in a hospital, it can be heartbreaking to see people suffering every day. I would love to have the ability to alleviate their pain and suffering so that everyone can live happy and healthy lives.
Help Courtney and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Courtney, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.Â
