Today we’re chatting with Jess Davis from South 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 Jess, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Jess, I’m 36 and I’m originally from Adelaide, South Australia. I spent a lot of my early childhood growing up on Kangaroo Island, and I think that’s where my love of adventure really began. I’ve always been someone who loves learning, growing and throwing myself into new experiences. That mindset has taken me on some incredible adventures, from modelling internationally for some amazing brands at a young age to building businesses, but more than anything it’s taught me to embrace change and keep saying yes to life.
Outside of Miss Universe, I love travelling, fitness, yoga, chatting to random people at coffee shops and spending time with my two rescue dogs. I’m happiest when I’m learning something new, exploring somewhere different or challenging myself to grow.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Well, this is actually my second time entering Miss Universe Australia. I first entered in 2024, and not long after that I went through one of the most challenging periods of my life. So much of what I thought my life would look like changed almost overnight.
Coming back this year has never been about being perfect. It’s been about showing up, taking life one day at a time and proving to myself and others that no matter how difficult a season is, you can always pick yourself up and begin again. I think that’s something so many women experience at different stages of their lives, and if my journey encourages even one person to believe that a new chapter is possible, then sharing it has been worth it.
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?
It was incredible. Everything from the resort and the location to the experiences we had was amazing, but the highlight for me was definitely getting to spend time with all of the women in this year’s program.
It’s such a unique experience because, while we’re technically competing, we’re also building friendships and creating memories together. There was so much support, laughter and genuine encouragement throughout the trip, and I left with a full heart… and a very full belly, thanks to the insane hotel buffet!
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
Without a doubt, the David Bromley shoot.
I’ve admired his work for years, so having the opportunity to work alongside David and Yuge, and then having my own portrait painted, is something I honestly never imagined would happen. It was one of those surreal moments where you have to stop and think, is this actually real? That’s definitely a bucket-list moment I’ll never forget.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
It was honestly insane in the best way.
The creative direction for my shoot was very vintage, old Hollywood and Vogue-inspired, which felt completely up my alley. Working with Jarrad and the team is always so much fun, and from the previews I saw on the camera, the images looked incredible.
I’ve spent a lot of time in front of a camera throughout my career, but this shoot reminded me why I fell in love with modelling in the first place, and I genuinely felt like myself.
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 think the biggest thing that’s changed is how I define who I am.
For a long time, I tied so much of my identity to what I achieved. If my businesses were doing well, I felt successful. If I was constantly working towards the next goal, I felt like I was moving forward. I was always chasing the next milestone, believing I’d slow down and enjoy life once I got there. The truth is, there was always another mountain to climb. I became so focused on building a great life that I sometimes forgot to actually live it. Deep down, I believed my achievements were what made me worthy.
Then, over the past year, everything changed. So much of what I thought defined me disappeared. Having to rebuild from the ground up made me realise that if who you are can disappear the moment your circumstances change, then maybe you were holding onto the wrong things in the first place.
Now, I don’t measure my life by titles, businesses or achievements. I measure it by the kind of person I am, the relationships I have, the impact I can make and whether I’m genuinely happy.
What surprised me most is that letting go of who I thought I had to be has made me feel more confident than ever. I hope that’s something other people can take away too, because life won’t always go to plan, but that doesn’t mean your story is over.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
For me, it’s my life experience and the perspective that’s come with it.
At 36, I feel like I’ve experienced so many different chapters already. I’ve travelled the world, built successful businesses, experienced incredible highs, but I’ve also learned some of life’s hardest lessons along the way. As challenging as those seasons have been, they’ve shaped who I am in ways success never could.
One thing that’s never changed is my curiosity and willingness to embrace whatever life puts in front of me. Sometimes that’s led to the most incredible experiences I could have imagined, and other times it’s taught me lessons I never expected to learn. But that’s what living is all about. You can’t experience the highs without risking the lows, and you can’t let the setbacks stop you from saying yes to what’s next.
Those experiences have shaped me into who I am, given me a perspective I’m genuinely grateful for, and I think that’s what sets me apart.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
This probably isn’t the answer you’re expecting…
For me personally, it’s not something I can tick off a list.
By the end of 2026, I just want to be able to look back and genuinely say, “I’m happy, and I’m proud of myself.”
Proud that I kept showing up. Proud that I stayed curious, kept saying yes to opportunities and continued to grow, no matter what life threw my way.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I’ve actually spent the last five months working on an app that’s become a real passion project of mine. It’s designed to help people navigate life’s different seasons. Whether someone is rebuilding after a difficult chapter, feeling stuck, or simply wanting to get more out of life, it’s filled with practical tools, education and support to help people move forward with confidence.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe that’s my purpose. I want to give people the tools and confidence to create a life that feels fulfilling and true to them, no matter their age or where they are in life. If I can inspire people to make the most of the one life they’ve been given, I’d feel like I’ve done something worthwhile.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Roar” by Katy Perry. It might be a little cliché, but it’s always reminded me to be brave, trust myself and keep moving forward.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
A ridiculous number of photos and videos of my two dogs… followed very closely by sunrises & sunsets, but I refuse to delete any of them.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Play it safe.”
I’ve never believed that the best things in life happen inside your comfort zone. Every time I’ve taken a chance, I’ve either gained an incredible experience or learned a valuable lesson. Either way, I’ve never regretted having the courage to try.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
Give me a microphone and I’ll happily put on a performance.
Whether anyone else enjoys it is another story, but I have absolutely no shortage of confidence, and I think that’s half the battle.
Where to Watch, Jess 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.
