Today we’re chatting with Ella Bullock 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 Ella, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a 24-year-old working in real estate, creating content on social media, and navigating life as a proud first-time dog mum.
If there’s one thing that defines me, it’s that I’m unapologetically myself. Whether I’m helping clients, creating content or sharing everyday moments, I always strive to be genuine. It’s my favourite thing about myself because I believe authenticity is what builds real connections, and I hope it encourages others to embrace exactly who they are too.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I believe more girls need role models who show that it’s okay to be completely themselves. I want to encourage women to embrace who they are, because no one can be you better than you. I also want to show that you don’t have to choose just one passion. Whether it’s real estate, content creation or being a dog mum, there’s always time to chase what lights you up. With hard work, authenticity and consistency, I truly believe anything is possible.
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 challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Being pushed completely outside of my comfort zone in a new country, surrounded by so many incredible and inspiring women, was both exciting and nerve-racking.
The hospitality from Mövenpick was incredible. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family, and I left feeling so grateful for the kindness, generosity and care shown to all of us throughout our stay.
That experience also taught me that it’s okay to be the loud, bubbly girl in the room. I learned that your greatest strength is simply being yourself, and that real growth only happens when you step into the uncomfortable. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
One moment I’ll never forget was meeting the incredibly talented children from Waste to Art. It was such a moving experience to see their creativity, passion and dedication firsthand. Every one of them was so kind, talented and full of joy—it truly warmed my heart.
Watching all of the Miss Universe Australia finalists get involved, connect with the children and celebrate their work made the experience even more special. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact kindness and community can have, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary was one of the highlights of the trip. It was definitely outside my comfort zone because I’m not a professional model, and I wasn’t used to the serious, editorial side of posing.
What I thought would be one of the most intimidating experiences actually became one of the most empowering. It gave me a whole new level of confidence and reminded me that I’m capable of doing things that challenge me. Looking back, the shoot wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about believing in myself and realising that growth happens when you say yes to opportunities that push you beyond what feels comfortable.
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?
One belief I have changed my mind about was that you don’t have to be a certain mould to be accepted or loved. The true beauty starts from who you are as a person and to never let anyone dull your sparkle. Being you is your biggest superpower and will get you far in life. This shift in perspective has given me so much more confidence and self-happiness too; the realisation would not have been possible without our current Miss Universe, Lexie.
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 my authenticity. I am unapologetically myself, the loud bubbly girl in the room. I will always embrace who I am wholeheartedly. I also love to show that you don’t always have to slot into one category; I’m building a career in real estate, content creation, and also chasing opportunities like Miss Universe. I would like to inspire women and males to embrace who they are and realise that they can achieve what they set their mind to as long as you are passionate about 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?
I would LOVE to go skydiving; it has always been something I thought would be amazing to experience.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I would love to become a personal trainer one day who offers affordable coaching that goes beyond fitness. My goal is to combine training with genuine mentorship, helping women build not only their physical strength but also their confidence from the inside out.
I want to empower women to change the way they see themselves and the way they speak to themselves, because true confidence starts within. Exercise can transform your body, but believing in yourself is what truly changes your life. I want every woman I work with to leave feeling stronger, more capable, and proud of exactly who she is.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
My theme song would definitely be “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. It means to me that my story is still being written; it also represents all the opportunities I have said yes to and will continue to say yes to.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
If you scroll through my camera roll, you’ll see the majority of photos being me carrying 4 different bags on the way to work: one for the gym, one for my content, one for my lunch, & my personal handbag. It shows I’m all about the chaosness and I’m a busy girl!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
I wish I never ignored this piece of advice: “Move on, your dream life is right around the corner.”
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
My secret power is being able to talk for hours to ANYONE—I could probably make a pole talk back to me!
Where to Watch, Ella 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.
