We’re excited it’s that time of the year again when we get to introduce you to the contestants of Miss Universe Australia. We’re kicking off our eighth year of finalist interviews with Kate Radin from Queensland, one of the twenty-eight talented, and inspiring contestants from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2019.
So Kate, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
AnswerI’m a 21-year-old that’s currently living on the Gold Coast. I study Criminology full time at Griffith University while also working full time! Sounds very busy I know… But I love it! I’m a small-town girl that grew up on a lime orchard just outside Noosa Heads. I feel like being brought up in a small working town has made me into the determined and motivated person I am now.
What would you say was your motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Since I was a young girl I’ve always looked up to these beautiful, smart and well-educated women that speak up about issues that are affecting lives all over the world. When the opportunity came up for me to apply for Miss Universe Australia, I couldn’t help myself apply as I would love to have the chance to change the lives of people who are suffering from DFV.
The program is certainly full of amazing experiences in the lead-up to finals, You’ve just returned from the National Finalist Trip to Bali staying at the sensational Alila Hotels. How was this experience?
Bali Bali Bali, where do I start! So first of all, I got to meet the other 28 National finalists, long story short, I now have 28 new amazing friends that I wouldn’t have ever met if it wasn’t for MUA! Alila Hotels absolutely spoilt us, from our very own villas to the amazing staff, let’s just say I will be returning for sure. From walking workshops to self-development workshops, I feel like my confidence has boosted up so much and I can only thank the MUA team and sponsors for that. Forever grateful to be able to have been part of such an amazing journey
The Bali Trip is a combination of finals boot camp, personal development and team bonding exercise with a tropical escape thrown in for good measure, what would you say are some of the best things you’ll take away from the trip?
There were so many highlights from the MUA Bali trip but the 2 that stood out to me were spending a few good quality hours with the children from Bali Life Foundation, I loved every moment when I was with these children, and also the confidence boost that I walked away from Bali with.
So now you’re home and, winter has set in and the finals are only just around the corner, how are you feeling in the leadup to Melbourne and what sort of preparation are you doing before finals week?
The last week I’ve been feeling the pressure, mostly from myself because I know that everyone has the same chance of winning. It’s a scary thing going into a competition knowing that there is only going to be one winner. I feel like throughout this whole experience we have all learnt something valuable, so everyone is a winner. I’ve been working out most days, practicing my walking for the stage and also trying to study for my top 10 question (fingers crossed I make it that far). Hopefully this will all pay off at Prelims and National Final!
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think sets you apart from the other contestants?
Being Miss Universe Australia 2019 would be a great platform for me to be an advocate for Domestic and Family Violence and help it gets the attention that it truly needs. For the last 6 months, I’ve been working with Friends with Dignity, a non-profit organisation that helps victims of domestic and family violence start up a new life. I have such a strong passion for helping people and it really shines through my personality. I also am pretty tall so I believe I’ll stand out in the crowd haha!
Your next question comes from Simon Ross of Minespec Parts
If you were lucky enough to receive the Minespec Parts Grant of $20,000 to put towards your education or business startup, what would you spend it on and why?
As you have probably read, I’m a very strong advocate for victims of domestic and family violence. I would love to be able to start up my own online platform for these victims to talk to a phycologist. Studies show that only a small amount of victims of domestic violence seek the help and safety that they need, mostly because they do not feel safe speaking up about what they are going through, so I believe if I was to start a online chat for these victims then there would be a much larger percentage of people seeking help.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
About 3 months ago I found out I actually have royal blood in me! People always said that my Grandmother looked like the queen, and we never thought there was anything connected to the royal family. But apparently King Edward 7th is my great great grandfather!
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you or someone you know recently?
Last week I went diving out in front of Burleigh Heads, while I was out there, I noticed a sandy colored animal following me, I totally freaked out and swam as quick as I could back to shore. While I was swimming back into shore it kept following me trying to nibble on my flippers. Safe to say that’s when I realized it was a Wobegon (apparently they like to nibble on flippers).
As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult, but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be?
As much as I love being an adult, sometimes it can be hard financially, especially when you study full time and live out of home. When I was younger, I had the dream that living out of home was going to ideal, but in reality, it’s hard work.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
Chocolate chocolate and more chocolate! You find me sneaking to the fridge at 3am to get a piece followed by a glass of milk
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.
