Darcy Spinks - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview

Darcy Spinks - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview
Darcy Spinks - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview

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 Darcy Spinks, from VIC who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.

So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?

My name is Darcy, and I am a small town country girl. I grew up on a cattle and sheep farm in North East Victoria. I love all things outdoors, including horse riding, motorbike riding, wakeboarding and camping… I guess I’m not your typical beauty queen. In my everyday life, I study business, model part time and find myself working multiple other jobs. Having lived out of home for three years now and coming from a broken family (my parents divorced when I was nine years old), I was forced to become entirely independent from a young age. I see this as a positive, as it has made me the hard working and strong person that I am today. Having modelled since the age of 10, I am hugely passionate about spreading awareness for self-acceptance and confidence, as this is something that I struggled with from a young age.

So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?

My experience staying at Alila Hotels in Bali was out of this world. I have never stayed anywhere so beautiful in my life. We stayed at 3 of Alila’s incredible resorts Ubud, Seminyak & Uluwatu – All of which were so different and great in their own ways. My personal favourite was Uluwatu because apart from the amazing food and beautiful staff, we were driven around in golf buggies (because the resort was HUGE)! Oh, and the breathtaking views from our villas weren’t so bad either! My experience in Bali with the Miss Universe Australia crew was one I will never forget, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and to have met so many beautiful girls from all over Australia, that I can now call my friends. I kept having to pinch myself, and am incredibly grateful for the experience.

We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?

My highlight on the MUA Bali Trip was meeting the children and young adults at the Sari Hati school. Sari Hati is a free school for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities, located in Ubud, Bali. Meeting these children was incredibly special for me because I had visited this school before with my mum and brother when I was roughly 15 years old. My mum wanted to take us there to play with the children and help to brighten their day. Similarly, this time, I was reminded how amazing it was to just hang around with the children, playing, smiling, laughing and just enjoying each others company. These children and young adults helped me put everything into perspective, they are so happy, with so little. This is when I realised that life is indeed a blessing, and it is what we make of it.

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 am feeling incredibly nervous BUT excited in the lead up to the National Final, as this competition is a big deal to me and I want to be my absolute best. My prep is consisting of eating healthy, exercising regularly, reading the paper and preparing myself to be equipped for public speaking and MUA press. This prep isn’t too far out of my comfort zone, as I usually practice healthy living on a regular basis, but I will be just stepping it up a notch and in particular, working on the way in which I present myself to an audience.

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?

Each and every single girl that steps out onto that stage deserves to be there; everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way. However, I believe the individual flair that sets me apart from the other contestants is that I am 100% real and authentic, what you see is what you get. I grew up on a cattle and sheep farm; my childhood consisted of playing outside with animals, riding motorbikes and going on family camping trips. I honestly believe I stand out because I am not your typical beauty queen. I’m not a judgmental or critical person, and I am certainly no strong academic, BUT I am real, I am genuine, and I know I have a good heart. I pride myself on being super down to earth, charismatic, hard working, and most importantly, compassionate, and I find people warm to me quite quickly because of this.

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Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?

I am a super motivated and determined person, and I love a good challenge. My life is very unpredictable, and I never really know what exactly I might get out of each day, and that’s something that really excites me. My passions are modelling, meeting new people and maintaining my health and fitness. I am a people person, I love connecting with people on all levels, and I truly love listening to and helping others. A primary motivation of mine is to be continually learning and bettering myself, to be the best possible version of myself. Ultimately my main goal is to help motivate and inspire others, to be happy, healthy and to stay true to themselves, which is something I strive for in myself every day.

What is something people might find interesting about yourself?

I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Having grown up motorbiking and wakeboarding were two activities I found myself doing quite often. I also recently competed in an amateur charity boxing match, where I fought and won my first fight.. this was one of the most rewarding yet most terrifying experiences of my life. I love a good challenge and really enjoy getting my heart rate up. Skydiving is next on my agenda.

Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?

Home. As cliche as it sounds, my home is where I get to wind down fully, and relax. Home is two and a half hours away from Melbourne, on a cattle and sheep farm. We have roughly 2,500 acres of land, and right in the middle of it, we have a huge hill, that has the most incredible view. When I get the chance to go home, I love to walk to the top, sit, relax, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view of the countryside. It is my favourite place in the world.

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?

The Miss Universe Australia program really pushes you outside of your comfort zone, challenges you and builds you as a person. My experience so far has not only strengthened my confidence, but has helped me to believe in myself. I have learnt the importance of not comparing myself to others, and embracing my strengths and accepting my weaknesses. All of these qualities will help me move forward in life more confidently and positively.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

My first day at Uni, studying Business / Media & Communications. I began my day a bit distressed, not knowing where my classes were and trying to find my way around campus. When I finally found my classroom, I walked in and sat at the very back, hoping just to blend in. I got through half of the class and found myself having to borrow all types of pencils and papers to draw on from the boy next to me and the teacher was popping over my shoulder every two seconds to make sure I knew what I was doing (which I clearly didn’t, as I am definitely no artist). So there I was up, sitting there feeling slightly confused why the heck we would be drawing circles, lines and squares in a media studies class.. Until I leant over the kind gentlemen next to me and asked if this was room 115, and he awkwardly smirked and said “no this is room 114, architectural drawing”. I then sat there in shock for 5 minutes, in the realisation that I have been in the entirely wrong class for the past 30 minutes! I then quickly jumped up, apologised to the teacher (who definitely already knew I was in the wrong class) and awkwardly left the room while everyone stared. My first day was obviously a great success.

Name five things you can’t live without?

1. Friends and family.
2. My Diary.
3. Food (mainly chocolate).
4. My phone!
5. A cup of tea to start my way (it is basically like a hug in a cup).

How would your closest friend describe you?

Well, I have just sent a few messages out of my closest friends and here are a few things I got back: – Honest & Understanding. – Loving & Warm. – Hard working and determined. – Reliable – There whenever you need me. – Very silly, and always down for a good laugh.

Why should you be the next Miss Universe Australia?

To be a Miss Universe Australia is both an honour and a responsibility. It is a chance to have a voice and to have an impact. If I were Miss Universe Australia, I would use my voice to influence the youth and raise awareness of specific causes like anxiety, depression and bullying, as I know these issues are hugely prevalent in today’s society. I am full of strength because of my upbringing, determination because of my desire to succeed and love because I have a huge heart, and I believe these are qualities Miss Universe Australia should possess.

Darcy is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here

Darcy Spinks - Miss Universe Australia Finalist Interview

Photograph by Perrywinkle Photography

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Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city