Today we’re chatting with Dana Noelle Diamataris from Victoria, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am a 27-year-old Greek Australian born and raised in Melbourne. The ‘Noelle’ is a nod to my Christmas Day birthday and yes, I’m also a twin! I’m a criminology graduate, a recently admitted Australian lawyer, and now training to become a teacher, so let’s just say I like a full plate! I have been raised in a vibrant, culture-rich Greek household and am a big family gal. I live by the mantra: say yes to every opportunity, which is exactly what began my Miss Universe Australia journey, embracing it with more confidence and clarity than ever.
Outside the classroom or courtroom, you’ll find me café and restaurant hopping across Melbourne, flowing in Pilates, boxing, running, or cooking up a storm (usually a family Greek-inspired recipe or pasta – I am a self-proclaimed Pasta Enthusiast!). I also proudly volunteer with the Butterfly Foundation to advocate for eating disorder awareness, a cause close to my heart. I’ve built incredible connections and truly grown as a woman. I hope to merge my background in law and education with my dream of becoming a presenter in Australia’s media landscape, representing what it means to be bold, real, and deeply relatable. And if I can do that with a smile (and a little spanakopita in hand), even better!
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
What inspired me to take the leap into Miss Universe Australia was the belief that life truly begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and I’ve never been one to sit still. This journey felt like my next bold YES, an opportunity to grow, be challenged, and step into something extraordinary. When I first entered in 2024 and became a state finalist, I was chasing personal growth and new experiences. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me how empowering it is, even as an adult, to try something new, meet incredible women, and be celebrated simply for showing up as your true, authentic self. Coming back this year, I had more fire in my belly and a clear mindset. I knew what it meant to be a national finalist, and I was ready to soak up every moment!
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
It still doesn’t feel real! The Vietnam experience was truly out of body; I like to call it the ‘Miss Universe Australia Bubble’ I never wanted to leave. If you had told younger Dana she’d one day be travelling to Vietnam with 29 other inspiring women, soaking up the sunshine at a five-star resort, strutting her stuff in a national swimwear shoot with a full-blown camera crew, hair and makeup team of my dreams, diving into NIDA’s Confident Presenter workshop, and learning to walk a runway with power, I would’ve laughed in disbelief.
Every single moment, from running on adrenaline to embracing Vietnamese culture, visiting Hearing & Beyond to see the real-world impact of our ToyBox fundraising, was unforgettable. Standing there, witnessing where our efforts had made a difference, was humbling and heart-expanding. But the biggest takeaway? The sisterhood and friendship. Watching every girl evolve, walking taller, smiling wider, and radiating confidence was something truly magical. We laughed, learned, grew, and made memories I’ll treasure forever.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
It’s nearly impossible to pick just one highlight, but if I had to, the moment that truly transformed me was the NIDA Confident Speaker workshop. In just a few hours, I could already feel a shift within myself, not only in how I spoke, but in how I carried myself. I was standing taller, speaking with more conviction, and reconnecting with a part of myself that had been waiting to be amplified. Even though public speaking and presenting are already part of my profession, this experience offered something new that was raw and honest.
What made it even more powerful was the shared vulnerability in that room. Every single woman was exposing herself through growth and pushing past nerves and self-doubt, and in doing so, we all formed deeper bonds. I walked out of it with stronger communication tools, deeper self-belief, and a genuine connection to the women standing beside me.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
AH-MA-ZING is honestly the only word that fits! We had no idea what to expect going into the shoot, just a call time, so the surprise factor made it even more exciting. As someone who had never done a bikini shoot before, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. But the entire team made me feel like a total pro from the moment I walked in. The glam squad, shoutout to Alarna and David and their teams, worked absolute magic.
Then came the big reveal, a stunning red tube-style bikini from Unnecessary. The cut, the colour, the fit… I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Wow, that’s me.’ It was a real pinch-me moment. And the best part? I got to pose with a bike cart, very on-brand for me as a fitness lover! Having a physical element made me feel totally in my element and brought my energy to life. Jarrad and Mat, our amazing camera crew, were total legends, finding the light, cracking jokes and keeping it fun. And with Sophia as our ultimate hype girl, the vibe was electric. It was an unforgettable experience, one I walked away from feeling confident, empowered, and absolutely beaming.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of, and why?
If my younger self could see me now, not just standing here, but standing tall, grounded, and sure of who I am, her heart would absolutely burst with pride. She wouldn’t be proud because of a sash or a stage, but because I stayed true to myself. I took every setback, every moment of self-doubt, and every time I felt like I wasn’t enough, and used it as fuel to grow.
Even when I didn’t have clear direction, personally or professionally, I kept showing up. There were times I shrank myself to fit in, thinking I had to become who the world wanted. And yet, here I am now, walking into rooms unapologetically, saying yes to new opportunities, exploring new paths and new versions of myself with excitement, not fear. She’d be proud that I never let rejection or comparison define me. That I found my purpose, owned my voice, leaned into my quirks, and turned them into strengths. But most of all, she’d be proud that I never compromised who I was to get here. That I still lead with kindness, choose growth over perfection, and live proof that the most powerful thing a woman can be is herself.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
Everyone in this program shines in their own way and that’s what makes it so empowering. What sets me apart is the many chapters I’ve already lived and the passion, grit, and flair I bring to every one of them.
I’m proudly grounded in my Greek roots. My culture shapes my drive, my heart, and the way I move through the world, with purpose, warmth, and unapologetic authenticity. I don’t try to be anyone else, I’m real, raw, and joyfully myself. I’m stepping into this experience not just as a finalist, but as a woman who’s lived, struggled, grown, and thrived. From becoming a lawyer to pivoting into education, from battling body image to rebuilding confidence, I carry depth and resilience that fuel everything I do.
I’m proud of the duality I bring, a strong professional with big dreams, who also makes a killer spanakopita, embraces quality time with friends and family, and thinks boxing on a Sunday morning followed by a run with a little sweet treat reward is fun! That’s me, and I believe that being multifaceted, relatable, and real is my superpower. I’m not here to fit a mould, I’m here to redefine it!
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that while I may come across as calm, collected, and cool under pressure, I’m absolutely a Type A personality at heart. Think duck on a lake. On the surface, I look like I’m gliding, but underneath, I’m paddling furiously, getting things done, and making sure every detail is just right.
I thrive on structure, I love a to-do list (you would hate to see my notes app on my phone), and I put 110% into everything, whether it’s studying law, planning lessons, organising my schedule, or even a Sunday meal finding the best place for a vino with girlfriends. And truthfully? I love it. That drive and discipline give me purpose, and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the hard work pay off behind the scenes. But I will say I love some good R&R and will never say no to a holiday or a massage.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I could work on any dream project, it would be creating and hosting a lifestyle and travel series that celebrates global culture through food, fashion, design, and connection. A heart-led fusion of storytelling and visual beauty, where I explore hidden gems around the world — from a family-run tavern in a Greek village to a textile market in Vietnam, or a serene wellness retreat in Bali. The opportunities and adventures are endless.
It wouldn’t just be about entertaining; it would be about connecting. Sharing the people, traditions, and flavours that make each place so special, while bringing joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to viewers. As someone who thrives on conversation and finds ease speaking to a camera, I’d love to combine my presenting skills with my passions for culture, storytelling, community, and adventure. It’s not just about being front and centre, it’s about using my voice to uplift, educate, and celebrate life’s beauty. And let’s be honest… who wouldn’t love seeing the world, indulging in incredible food, and calling it work?
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Dua Lipa – Be the One. After seeing her in person this year and having the privilege of hearing that song live, you can’t help but smile, have a little boogie, and honestly feel like you really could be THE ONE! – Ultimate hype song!
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me is knowing who you are, what your worth is, and embracing it! Confidence isn’t just about how you hold yourself but how you allow your quirks, unique qualities, and values to shine. It’s about standing out for being you and knowing that there is not one single person who can be you out there. It is owning YOU in all aspects of your life!
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Dua Lipa, hands down – are you sensing a trend here? She embodies exactly what it means to be a woman in 2025 — confident, powerful, unique, joyful, and courageous. Aside from her clear talent and beauty, who wouldn’t want to parade around on stage like an absolute queen, commanding the attention of a room, belting out some absolute bangers, rocking some incredible outfits, and doing it all whilst travelling the world? I also deeply align with her foodie adventures and envy her tour expeditions.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
Since trying the Nikkia Joy Velvet Finishing Powder, I don’t leave the house without it. I am not kidding, this is the ONLY makeup item you need to instantly feel and look fresh and awake! And maybe throw in a good lip liner/gloss combo too.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Okay, hear me out. I was a window seat kind of gal until recently. I used to enjoy the luxury of leaning on a window (despite being fearful of looking out the window). But as I’ve gotten older I now value accessibility and being able to get up as I please without disturbing anyone! The people pleaser in me would avoid making people move for me even on long-haul flights. This switch is a game changer.
Help Dana and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Dana, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
