Today we are catching up with Dominique Ross of Queensland , one of the 24 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2023 at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins this Friday.
So, Dominique why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 26 years old and I was born in Brisbane, Australia! I have called the sunshine state my home since I was born, however, I have been very fortunate to do a fair amount of travelling and even spent some time living in Turkey!
I currently work as a Digital Strategist at a based marketing agency and have been modelling since I was in grade 6. On the weekends I like to shop for furniture for my new home, play golf at my local golf club, spend time with my friends and family, and try out new fun recipes!
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Who isn’t motivated by a good coffee! Well, I previously competed in the program in 2021, and I loved the experience! I have always known from a young age I wanted to be a role model and make an impact. I am the eldest child by 6 years and of all the cousins thereafter. I have always watched the shows and thought how confident, strong and empowered the women were. These are all things I want to be and now I want to encourage every young child and adult to be the best they can be.
Another big motivator for me has been spreading knowledge and awareness for charities close to my heart, a big one being Strength to Give. I have a very close family member who has been going through treatment, which opened my eyes to the importance of being on the bone marrow registry. There is so little knowledge, myself included previously, around what is needed, the limitations and necessity for building awareness.
As part of the program, you recently went on the National Finalist Trip to Vietnam at Furama Resort Da Nang, what was the experience like?
The experience was absolutely incredible! It was one of the best weeks of my life! The people and friends I met will live with me for many years to come. I could not have asked for a more rewarding experience.
If I had to describe it in 3 words, it would be memorable, humbling and enjoyable! Memorable because the opportunities and experiences we were fortunate to have will never be forgotten! Private beach dinners, photoshoots in the most stunning locations, confidence and presence training with NIDA training, learning the perfect walk with none other than Thelma Rodriguez (Miss Nicaragua 2008)!
We were also fortunate enough to spend some time with the victims affected by Agent Orange and DAVA. This for me was one of the highlights! Those children and adults were some of the happiest and most loving people I have met. Having the opportunity to spend a few hours dancing, playing and getting to know their stories was incredibly humbling for me. This was a gift the program was able to give me I will never forget.
Lastly, what more can I say other than it was just enjoyable! Who wouldn’t love a trip with all your girl friends to a tropical place? Beach volleyball, delicious food, amazing weather, ocean side… Overall this trip is one for the books!
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
I honestly don’t think I could pick just 1! I have been asked this question a few times since getting home and it’s impossible to pick 1 specific thing as the highlight, but the charity visit was definitely a key moment for me. Even now when I talk about it now, I get teary! It was just such a happy moment for both the people there but also for myself and the rest of the girls. Meeting people who are so positive in the face of adversity and who only see the good in others and smile like they do – it was extremely touching.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other finalists?
I briefly mentioned earlier that I have been fortunate enough to grow up travelling a fair bit. My mother is English and we have a lot of family spread out across the globe. I have had the opportunity to visit some amazing parts of our world and even had a stint living in Turkey on my own for a few months. These opportunities allowed me to embrace new cultures, meet new people and push myself out of my comfort zone. If this journey were to continue, I feel the lessons learnt and the embracing attitude I live my life will only help me to further explore the world and develop deeper connections with other cultures and their way of life.
If you could ask our current Miss Universe Australia, Monique Riley, one question, what would it be and why?
If I could ask our current Monique, one thing, it would be: if you could do this program and experience again, what would you want to do differently? As a second time participant, embracing every opportunity has been a key goal in the program for me. I am a very driven person who loves to learn, so being able to understand from my current queen what she may wish she had done differently would be very insightful.
Often when you’re in those situations, you can get caught up in them. Or is that just me haha? But I do believe that hearing what everyone has to say and being able to actually listen and absorb those words will only make me learn what is most important in life
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I am very passionate about spreading wisdom and confidence amongst people of all generations. During Covid, I worked as a confidence and modelling coach. Through this, I was able to see first-hand the impact of teaching young up-and-coming models the power of being confident in yourself, especially in a social media age. I am a strong believer in understanding and taking action of what actually makes you happy and being the most confident version of yourself, but that can be hard to remember sometimes in this day and age with social media.
To finish up the interview we have a few quick questions
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere, it would be Leiden in the Netherlands. I have been going there for many years to visit family, so it’s become a second home to me.
What’s your ideal way to spend a day off?
My ideal day off is going to play a round of golf nice and early, followed by a good oat latte and avocado on toast. Next stop would be heading to the beach, my personal favourite is Noosa. Ending the day would be a margarita and seafood dinner.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Cheesy but my boyfriend. He knows exactly what makes me laugh.
