Today we are talking with Jacqueline Scheiwe from Queensland. She’s 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 are thrilled to bring you our ninth year of Miss Universe Australia finalist interviews.
So Jacqueline, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Hello! I’m a journalist, working as a producer for 7News in Brisbane. I work behind the scenes writing scripts and spell-checking everything you see on TV!
In my spare time, I love reading, supporting local live music and theatre, escaping the city to surf on the Sunshine Coast, and spending time outdoors exploring nature.
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?
I first entered the Miss Universe competition two years ago out of curiosity. I had never modelled or done anything like a beauty pageant before. I had so little confidence in myself. I never expected to make it to the National Final, but I did! Throughout the competition, I was encouraged and mentored by the other contestants, and I learnt a tremendous amount about myself.
This year I wanted to give back to the competition that gave me so much! I wanted to be the one who encouraged my fellow contestants. More broadly, I want to encourage young women my age to get involved in the community around them because we can absolutely make a difference in the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.
As a journalist, I know how easy it is to switch off from the news and to ignore the heartbreaking stories. But there is a lot of good news out there – it’s up to us to make it!
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?
My biggest challenge was when lockdown first happened. I was writing about coronavirus all day at work and was unable to escape it when I got home.
I watched millions of talented Australians lose their jobs while I was the busiest I had ever been. I felt so guilty one night I cried on my way home from work. But one positive that came from it was learning to look after my mental health. By actually sticking to a routine of exercise and reading, I was able to calm my mind and improve my mental health for the long haul.
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’m someone who likes to let my hard work speak for itself, but I don’t take life too seriously. In that way, I feel I bring a “Queensland” flair to the competition! I already feel like a winner making it to the National Final, so anything beyond that is a blessing!
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?
I have always wanted to use the Minespec Parts $20,000 grant to sponsor four journalism students from Indigenous backgrounds or students living with a disability. I want to see our diverse Australia represented in the media. I cannot think of a better way to have a more balanced and diverse media landscape than to have people from diverse backgrounds working in the media, making editorial decisions, and telling stories from their perspective.
First thing you will do when this pandemic ends?
Like almost everyone else – I want to travel across Australia and overseas!
Place you will hope to travel to next?
The museums of Tasmania, the street art of Melbourne and to taste the food of Italy!
Have you taken up a new hobby, skill or learnt a new dish during lockdown?
I was busier during lockdown compared to before! So I never got time to learn any new skills or take on any hobbies! But now things have settled down a personal challenge I have set for myself is to begin studying to become a registered Irish Dance teacher!
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.
