It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Jiselle Manning of Queensland, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.
So, Jiselle, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am a Brisbane girl through and through! I was raised and grew up in Brisbane and now work as a reporter for Channel 9 on Mt Coot-Tha. I am an extreme go-getter with a deep love for people and performing. My career encompasses the perfect blend of telling stories and the art of performance on camera…I love it! I am almost always the tallest girl in the room, but I am always down for a chat and a giggle (especially if it’s about musicals).
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I have had many people in my life say they “wish they could do what I do” regarding my career and other endeavours. I want to prove to them that they CAN. Our goals and achievements are actually well within our grasp; you just have to be passionate enough to give it a go. I want to show the people around me that life is too unforgiving to settle for mediocrity; go and get what you want!
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
This was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. When else will I be so lucky to travel with 27 other incredible women to Vietnam for an entire week? The resort itself was breathtaking, and the staff took us in as family. We were fully immersed in Vietnamese culture; we ate incredibly fresh food, met wonderful people, and spent time in the local communities.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
Aside from getting to know each one of the girls individually on a deeper level, the highlight for me was definitely visiting Hearing and Beyond, the only school for deaf children in Da Nang. I think I speak for all of us when I say meeting the children and their teachers was such a beautiful experience. The children taught us Vietnamese sign language and showed us their skills. It was clear that the school is a safe haven for many children, allowing them the opportunity to communicate and make friends. It was a day where nothing else mattered but being present and enjoying the pure joy the children exuded.
Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
After our dazzling Hoiana Press Conference, we had the opportunity to mingle with reporters, hotel representatives, Vietnamese officials, and VIPs. Yes, for my job, I frequently get the opportunity to meet and speak with people, but this was a new experience where I had the chance to liaise with people cross-culturally. It was fantastic to chat with Vietnamese journalists and compare our roles from different sides of the world. I was truly pushed out of my comfort zone, for the better!
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Moy always has the good questions! I would tell my younger self to forget fear and go after my goals. To not settle for any less than what I have planned. Everything falls into place, no matter how scary it may seem, so enjoy the ride and always be there for your people.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
I have a unique ability (and love) for public speaking. I was always the kid in school who would volunteer first for speeches, and I have always been a performer. Having the ability to connect with so many different people through presenting and speaking will definitely set me apart. Although…all of these girls are pretty incredible!
What’s something about you that people might find surprising?
I dealt with intense anxiety throughout 2021-2023. You wouldn’t picture it for someone who loves to perform and is on national television every week, but it was an extremely hard period of my life that still upsets me to think about. However, we live and we learn, and I have incredible techniques to handle it now!
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
One day, I would love to direct a film. I have the entire script planned out in my head and can visualise every scene perfectly. Without giving too much away, it is about a girl who devotes her entire life to being a performer, entitled AWE. That or I’d love to do a long-form journalistic documentary on the ballet industry!
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
SINGING! Then I could finally live out my dreams of playing Roxie Hart in Chicago…or Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain…or even Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
My mum and I ventured to the top of Mt Titlis and Mt Jungfraujoch in Switzerland. They were the most breathtaking views I have ever seen and my first time in the snow. It felt so cinematic.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?
I am unfortunately guilty of strictly playing ONLY showtunes and musical songs in the car. I apologise to all my friends who are victims of this…
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
I would love to fly. There is something about sitting in the clouds watching over the city that is so beautiful and cinematic…that right there is the dream.
Help Jiselle and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference
Jiselle, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, has collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
