Today we are talking with Elsie Killick from Tasmania one of the twenty-eight. Talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2020. 

In what has certainly been an unpredictable and unprecedented year of ups and downs we’re thrilled to bring you our ninth year of Miss Universe Australia finalist interviews. 

So Elsie, why don’t you tell us about yourself? 

I am twenty-five years of age, and I am based in Hobart. I live with my partner, Ethan and our 8-month-old kitten, Eddie! I am a self-professed perfectionist which lends well to my career as an engineer.  

I am currently working as a civil construction engineer which means I am involved in projects which directly benefit the community.  

I love that engineering allows me to apply critical thinking skills and creativity to solve real-world problems. Every project is unique with its own set of challenges, and you never know where or what you will be working on next! I am also always trying to challenge myself, and I get bored easily, two things which motivated me to commence my studies for an MBA at the end of last year. In my free time, you will find me at my local F45, catching up with friends or indulging in a Netflix binge!  

The Miss Universe Australia program has been on hold since earlier in the year and now making its way towards a virtual final to be held on October 28, What motivated you to enter the Miss Universe Australia Program? 

This is my second time participating in the Miss Universe Australia Program. I was motivated to participate again by my desire to be a role model for other women, particularly those who are in male-dominated industries such as engineering. I am determined to be the role model for other women; I always wished that I had.  

One of the biggest challenges I have had in my career so far is not having a relatable role model. To be crowned, Miss Universe Australia would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a platform and voice to be this role model.

This year has been like no other, how have you been coping so far and what’s been the biggest challenge and positive that has come out of it all? 

This year has been a challenge, and so many things haven’t gone to plan for me. That being said, the things that haven’t gone to plan are trivial in comparison to some of the hardships others have had to go through.  

I am very grateful for my health and feel very fortunate that throughout this year I haven’t had to work a single day from home! 

With everyone bringing such an individual flair to the competition, what do you think is something that will set you apart from the other contestants? 

I think that I bring a unique set of skills and intellect to the competition. Being an engineer has taught me to be adaptable, think on my feet and to be able to relate to people from all backgrounds, ages, professions etc. As Miss Universe Australia, you must communicate with and work with people from all over the globe, and I believe that I am well-positioned to take on this challenge.

The winner of Miss Universe Australia 2020 will also receive the prestigious Minespec Parts grant worth $20,000 to spend on your education or business startup, what would you do if you received this grant? And would you say your answer has changed now during the current COVID climate?

If I were fortunate to receive the Minespec Parts grant, I would put it towards my Masters in Business Administration that I am currently completing. My answer has not changed during the current COVID climate as I started studying before the pandemic. 

However, I think COVID has reinforced for me how important it is to have a diverse skillset in challenging economic times. My intent in studying an MBA is to broaden my skill set and to overall be a better engineer!    

First thing you will do when this pandemic ends? 

Fly to Melbourne with my best friend to catch up with our other best friend who lives in Melbourne! The three of us haven’t been together since the start of the year, and we have never gone this long without having a girls weekend.  

Place you will hope to travel to next? 

New York was on my list for 2020, and it will still be on the top of the list when we can travel internationally again. I am longing to go so badly!

Have you taken up a new hobby, skill or learnt a new dish during lockdown? 

I feel like this is as a shameful admission in 2020, but I haven’t! I was fortunate to be working full-time (and not from home) throughout the duration of lockdown and was also busy with my part-time study, so I honestly did not have the time! That said, I am continually learning both in my work and study.  

Presenting Sponsor

Minespec Parts are proud to be the presenting sponsor for Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.