Today we’re chatting with Elif Venice from New South Wales, 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 Elif, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a 21-year-old Sydney-based psychology student, model, and NPL first-grade footballer, so much of my life is spent moving between football boots and heels. I come from a Turkish-Australian family and have always been passionate about showing women that we are capable of far more than we often realise.
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour while also navigating a significant football injury, and that experience only strengthened this belief. I truly believe the mind is incredibly powerful, and that with resilience, determination, and self-belief, you can overcome even the most unexpected challenges and achieve absolutely anything you put your mind to.
I want my journey to be proof to other women that a difficult chapter does not have to define your future, and that you never have to limit yourself to one passion or fit into one box. We have one life, and I have always believed we should live it fully! Chasing every dream, embracing every part of who we are, and having the courage to pursue even the goals that may seem impossible.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I entered Miss Universe Australia because I wanted to challenge myself in a completely new way and represent a woman who is strong, feminine, ambitious, and multidimensional. Before this program, I often felt as though football, modelling, and psychology belonged in separate parts of my life, but this experience has allowed me to bring them together. Since entering, my health journey has given even greater meaning and shown me how powerful it can be to remain strong, positive, and visible when life does not go to plan.
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?
Vietnam was one of the most surreal and rewarding experiences of my life. Staying at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh was incredible! But what made the trip truly special was being pushed outside my comfort zone through workshops, shoots, and runway training while forming genuine friendships with women from across Australia. It was exciting, challenging, and the moment the National Finalist experience truly began to feel real. The walking workshops were absolutely the highlight for me!
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
One moment I will never forget was looking around at the other finalists after one of our long days and realising how quickly we had become a support system for one another! We had all arrived with different stories and ambitions, yet we were cheering each other through every nerve, challenge, and milestone. That feeling of being surrounded by strong women while still being completely myself is something I will always carry with me, and I am so grateful for.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The Unnecessary swimwear shoot was empowering and a genuine lesson in confidence. I have never been a model who takes on much swim work, so it was definitely new for me, but I can now say that I have a newfound love for it! I had the best time, and I hope it reflects in my photos! My shoot involved lots of splashing water, and it made the whole experience so exciting and fun. I walked away from my shoot feeling so eager to shoot more and so confident within myself and my body.
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 believe that I needed to feel completely ready, or have other people understand and approve of my goals, before I could confidently pursue them. Applying for Miss Universe Australia was one of the first times I chose to follow my dream, even though it was outside my comfort zone. After applying, I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour and suffered a significant football injury, which made the journey far more challenging than I had expected. Instead of making me give up, these experiences have shown me that we cannot wait for life to be perfect before chasing what we want.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
What sets me apart is the combination of worlds I represent: I am an NPL first-grade footballer and defender, a model, and a psychology student, and I have learned how to keep moving forward through injury and a major health diagnosis. I hope I show young women that they do not have to choose between being athletic and feminine, ambitious and compassionate, or resilient and vulnerable; we can be all of it!!!
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
Before the end of 2026, I would love to organise and host my own football skills clinic for children. Football has given me so much throughout my life, and I would love to use my experience as an NPL first-grade player to help young players build their skills, confidence, and love for the game! Ideally, I would also use the clinic to raise funds for a children’s charity, bringing together two things I care deeply about: football and creating a positive impact in the lives of young people.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
With unlimited time and resources, I would create a national program for girls and young women that combines sport, mental health, confidence, and health education. It would give young athletes access to coaches, psychologists, mentors, and medical support, particularly during injuries or unexpected diagnoses, when many girls can feel isolated or begin to lose their sense of identity. I would want every participant to leave knowing that her worth is not determined by a result, an appearance, or a setback, and that she never has to make herself smaller to belong.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
It would be “EoO” by Bad Bunny. It has become my ultimate game-day hype song because it instantly lifts my energy and makes me feel confident and ready to play! It feels even more special to me this year because I had the opportunity to see Bad Bunny live this year, which was incredible.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Probably silly photos of my boyfriend, Seb, and I. We are always playing “try not to laugh” and catching each other pulling silly faces off guard!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“You can’t do everything at once.” I have ignored it repeatedly… usually while going from football training to university work to a shoot, but I am slowly learning that ambition works much better when it is paired with rest.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
I am almost ridiculously observant and hyper-aware. I can walk into a room, notice the tiniest change in someone’s expression, and immediately sense when the energy has shifted, often before anyone has said a word. People may not believe me, but I am usually right, and I secretly think of it as my little superpower!
Where to Watch Elif 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.
