Today we’re chatting with Lilli Sauerwald 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 Lilli, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Lilli, a 22-year-old from South Australia, and at heart I’ll always be a country girl. I grew up on the Lower Eyre Peninsula, where my childhood was spent climbing gum trees, camping, fishing and making the most of the outdoors. I’m one of six children, and being an older sister has shaped so much of who I am. I’m now a flight attendant for Virgin Australia, and while I always thought my dream was to fly the plane, I discovered my favourite part is connecting with people. No two days are ever the same, and I genuinely love what I do.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
For a long time, I convinced myself my dreams were meant for other people. Eventually, I realised nothing was going to change unless I did. “Nothing changes if nothing changes” became the mindset that pushed me to apply for Miss Universe Australia, despite not believing I was capable. I filmed over 50 takes of my application because I wanted every word to be perfect. Looking back, I’m so grateful I pressed submit. It taught me that courage isn’t about feeling fearless—it’s about taking the leap anyway.
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 still doesn’t feel real. Vietnam exceeded every expectation I had, not just because of the beautiful location, but because of the people. The friendships I formed and the memories we created are something I’ll always be grateful for. It was a week that pushed me outside my comfort zone, filled with laughter, growth and experiences I’ll never forget. If I could relive one week of my life, it would be that one.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
The welcome dinner on the beach. Once the formalities were over, we were all running barefoot through the sand, laughing, taking photos and simply enjoying the moment. I remember thinking, “I wish time could stop.” It was one of those rare moments where everything felt exactly as it should.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The swimwear shoot was one of my favourite parts of the trip. It definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone, but the whole team made it so much fun. Like a lot of women, I’ve had moments of feeling self-conscious, but by the end I wasn’t thinking about any of that—I was just enjoying the experience.
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?
One mindset that’s changed my life is realising that life is happening from you, not at you. Over the past year, I’ve become much more intentional about choosing gratitude and focusing on what I can control. Organising my fundraiser for ToyBox Australia really reinforced that perspective. Learning more about the challenges vulnerable children face, and seeing my community come together to support them, reminded me how fortunate I am and how powerful a shift in perspective can be.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
I think what sets me apart is that I’m still incredibly grounded and, hopefully, relatable. I’m still the same country girl, flight attendant and older sister I was before Miss Universe Australia. The only difference is that I finally believed I was capable of being here, and I hope that reminds other people they don’t have to change who they are to chase something that scares them.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
Skydiving, without a doubt. This year has taught me that the best things usually happen just outside your comfort zone, so it feels like a fitting way to end 2026.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I’m only 22, so I think I’m still figuring out exactly what my dream project looks like. But one thing I do know is that I love helping people. Organising my fundraiser for ToyBox Australia was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and it showed me how much can be achieved when people come together. If I could work on any dream project, I’d love to build on that by creating more fundraising events and finding new ways to support vulnerable children and the communities around them.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Make You Fight” by Chris Lake. My Spotify Wrapped is probably still recovering because I listened to it on repeat for six straight hours on my flight to Vietnam. Every time I hear it, I’m instantly taken back to one of the best weeks of my life.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Probably photos of the flowers my boyfriend recently gave me. I’ve always been a flower girl. To me, flowers say so much without saying anything at all. They’re thoughtful, intentional, and proof that it’s often the smallest gestures that mean the most.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Stop caring what other people think.” For years I heard that advice but never truly lived by it. Applying for Miss Universe Australia was the first time I chose to do something because it mattered to me, not because of what anyone else might think. That one decision completely changed my life.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
Definitely packing. I treat it like a puzzle that I refuse to lose. I somehow managed three weeks in Europe with only a carry-on, and thankfully it’s a talent that’s come in handy as a flight attendant.
Where to Watch, Lilli 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.
