Today we’re chatting with Isabella Charon 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 Isabella, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I completed my Bachelor of Marketing and Media last year and now work as a marketing manager for a company in the AEC industry. I am very passionate about fitness, especially running. However, I also enjoy travelling around Australia to compete in Hyrox races. In my spare time, you can find me trying a new restaurant in Sydney or swimming in the ocean. Using my voice to encourage change is something I have become very passionate about. As a lived-experience ambassador for the Butterfly Foundation, I frequently speak with the media and the public about the dangerous relationship between social media and eating disorders.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
For me, Miss Universe Australia has been on my agenda since I was 10 years old. I remember sitting in the lounge room with my mum and dad watching Miss Universe on television. I was just in awe of the confidence and beauty of these women, as well as their ability to use their voices to inspire change. This has been reflected in my own journey of raising eating disorder awareness. My own experience has inspired me to advocate for this cause on a larger scale and use my involvement in the program as an example of how healing my relationship with my body allowed me to radiate more confidence than ever before and achieve my dream.
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?
Travelling to Vietnam was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Ask my family – I was on cloud nine every day leading up to the trip. Each day was a full schedule, which I loved because it was an opportunity to give my all to the program and make it a trip rich in experiences. A highlight for me was our lunch and dinner parties. This was because, after a busy day of shooting and walk practice, everyone was able to reconnect over a delicious meal prepared by the wonderful staff at Mövenpick. We got to hear how everyone’s day went and, even though we were all tired, it was really special to be together in one place.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
We attended Waste2Art at Mövenpick, where local school children were crafting sea creatures from recycled materials. First of all, I was in awe of their creativity and craftsmanship. However, what really touched me was their dedication to their education and their excitement to share their projects with us. It was an important reminder of how being passionate about something, no matter how big or small, radiates.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
That was definitely one of my favourite parts of the trip. I was one of the first to shoot that day, so my call time was around 4 am, which I was actually elated about because I am a morning person. My theme was ‘Sandy Days’, and when I was shown the mood board and my gorgeous green bikini, I was really happy. The execution of the creative concept by the entire team was a pleasure to be a part of, and I genuinely did not want my shoot to end.
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’ve discovered that nervousness and excitement are the same sensation. You decide how you process it.
This is a really valuable lesson I’ve learnt during my involvement in Miss Universe Australia and also during my post-graduation job search. Feeling nervous is normal – it means that you care about what you are doing. Rather than surrendering myself to the fear of the unknown, I have learnt to channel this sensation into being excited about a new opportunity entering my life. After all, it’s not every day that you have the chance to travel to Vietnam with twenty-seven other amazing women as a National Finalist for Miss Universe Australia! Nerves will always be there, but it’s up to you how you interpret them.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
Apart from my unique Maltese and Mauritian heritage, what sets me apart from the other contestants is my reason for being part of Miss Universe Australia. Not only has this been a childhood dream of mine, but it also underpins the narrative behind my journey to create meaningful, lasting change, particularly for young men and women suffering from eating disorders.
Outside of the program, I have worked incredibly hard to grow both personally and professionally. My journey to become the confident person I am today has taken resilience and drive, which are qualities I take great pride in.
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 have a lot of cookbooks that haven’t been used yet, so I would love to make a few dishes from them before the end of the year. When life gets busy, it can be difficult to remember to slow down and do activities you enjoy, so I think this will be a nice way to reconnect with my love for cooking.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
One goal I have is to establish my own marketing agency, which is something that takes a great deal of time and resources. However, if there were no such constraints, I would open offices in Sydney and London so that I could travel between both cities and work with a wide range of exciting clients.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
The Italian song ‘Volare’ would easily be my song of choice. It’s such a fun and joyful song, and every time something good has happened this year, I’ve listened to it on repeat. I also just spent six weeks travelling around Europe, so it reminds me of strolling through the streets of Italy with an Aperol spritz in hand.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Cake is my favourite food, and there’s a video of me doing a dance at the table with two big slices of cake in front of me while giggling like a child. It really shows how excited I get when I’m given food I love.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Get a job as soon as you graduate or you’ll fall behind.”
When I graduated from university, I worked casually as a Pilates instructor and took the year off. During that year, I travelled to Europe by myself, where I made lifelong friendships and memories. I also had time to enjoy the simplicities of life, including an afternoon swim in the ocean or taking myself out to dinner. This experience was invaluable for my personal growth, as it reminded me of the importance of connection, but also independence. Without that gap year, I would not be who I am today.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
I can suck in my nostrils to look like Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter. My friends laugh every time I do it, and when they try to copy me, they can never do it.
Where to Watch Isabella 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.
