Today we’re chatting with Georgia van Zaanen from Western Australia, 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 Georgia, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m a 28-year-old full-time Project Lead with a Master of Architecture working in residential Architecture and Interiors in Perth, WA. I am one of four very spaced-out children (eldest: 37 – youngest: 18) and was raised by my single mother to be fiercely independent. I was not dealt the smoothest of childhoods and experienced homelessness and bankruptcy in my early school years, but this life experience moulded me into the very strong-willed and hands-on woman that I am today. I love my basketball and volleyball teams, running architecture projects, renovations around my home and most of all my family and five nephews under 5! I love being active, travelling and all kinds of hobbies, anything from carpentry projects, candle making to beekeeping—I love learning new skills and meeting new people from all walks of life.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I have known about Miss Universe for as long as I can remember but was also a true tomboy growing up. I would watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Next Top Model every year but played soccer, rode motorbikes and went camping in my spare time. I got my first job at 14 and have been working ever since. I moved out of home young, was always working at least 2 jobs to support myself and studied a Diploma, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture full-time whilst doing so. For myself, my early twenties sped by and before I knew it I was 25, engaged and looking at buying my first home. I didn’t spare a thought for my “childhood dreams” whilst working to make a living and career for myself until the age of 27 when I had been married for a year, had been working in my career for 4.5 years and felt I had the ability to give the Miss Universe Australia program my absolute all. I always believed I was capable but knew I needed to be 100% ready mentally and financially to take the leap and push myself out of my comfort zone, something I knew I’d regret if I didn’t at least apply!
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?
The entire experience was surreal. I don’t believe I truly came to terms with what was happening until I was home from the trip and had time alone to reflect. Opportunities like this are unheard of, especially for someone with my background, so I tried to take it all in and immerse myself in the amazing experience.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
As cliché as it sounds, the entire trip was unforgettable. From the welcome dinner on the beach turned rainstorm, spending time with my beautiful roommate, Kristabella, talking about life and goals, to the walking workshops with Thelma, the entire experience was a once-in-a-lifetime that I will cherish forever. I am so incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity and tried to take everything in as much as I could.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
This was my first ever photoshoot and first time ever getting my makeup & hair done (that wasn’t for a wedding). Alarna, David and Maddy were not only amazing artists but also made me feel so at ease, making the entire process, before even stepping foot at the shoot location, one I’ll never forget. Jarrad shooting was also surreal knowing the incredible work he has done. I won’t lie, I did feel very out of my depth, but the entire team was so supportive and encouraging, as well as some of my fellow MUA girls who cheered me on from the sideline (Jess you were amazing!).
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 underestimated the amount of time and effort that goes into content creation (coming from someone who posted purely for family and friends before MUA). Being a part of the MUA program has given me connections with amazing sponsors but with that comes curating thoughtful and considered posts to best showcase not only the product but my personality and personal brand. As someone who has always consumed content but never had given deeper thought into the time it takes to make it, it was truly eye-opening but also something I have come to really enjoy. I see it as another creative outlet!
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
We are all unique in our own ways, but I believe I have what it takes to be Miss Universe Australia because of my life experience, self-assurance, empathy and grit. I have never been handed anything in my life and have always had to work very hard to have what many around me were born with. I feel I am truly at a stage in my life where I have so much to offer those around me, whether that be a listening ear, advice, support or even distraction. I believe I would be an excellent role model to young girls and boys and would be honoured to represent Australia on the international stage.
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’m not sure if this counts but if I don’t win Miss Universe Australia for 2026, I am undergoing a full ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair on my right knee in early September, an injury I sustained in my basketball league just weeks before the state finals! Although it is a common surgery, it is very invasive with a rough 12-month rehabilitation until you’re able to go back to pivoting sports (for someone who plays indoor beach volleyball and basketball every week, this was brutal news). During my surgery recovery I would also love to progress my career and put in some hours towards my registration as an Architect, work on my house renovations (I have a long list of DIYs to complete!) and spend more time with my family (the MUA program is time-consuming when you work full-time!).
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I would love to start my own architecture business with some incredibly talented women I have been lucky enough to work with throughout my 5 years in the industry. I am passionate about sustainability and micro-living, especially in a world ruled by consumerism, and would love to be able to design and build practical and affordable homes. Another passion of mine is giving back to those in need, whether that be monthly fundraisers for various charities or being able to help families in need of housing, just like mine when I was young. Being able to combine my two passions of giving back and architecture/interiors would be a dream come true for me.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
Sabrina Claudio – “Messages from Her”
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Photos of food, the ocean and my nephews.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Ambition without action becomes anxiety”, “If you knew you were 100 rejections/failures away from your dream, think how excited you would be every time someone told you no/failed”, and the classic “believe in yourself”.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
- I am double-jointed (especially fingers)
- I can raise my eyebrows independently
- I am ambidextrous (can write in cursive with both hands)
- I am full of never-ending movie quotes (I’m a movie/TV show buff)
Where to Watch, Georgia 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.
