Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?

I’m 22 years old and was born and bread on the Gold Coast. First and foremost, I am an actress. I have been acting since forever and have been fortunate enough to appear in many TV commercials, TV series and Feature films too, most recently I was in Australian thriller ‘Out of the Shadows’ and Australian comedy web series ‘Stage Mums’ along with being a part of DC comics ‘Aquaman’. As the acting industry on the Gold Coast isn’t very consistent, I spend my time juggling many jobs. I currently teach speech, drama and communications at multiple primary schools on the coast and have done for four years. Along with teaching at the Performers Studio where I take Film and TV classes for kids, I love being able to share my passion with kids that love the industry as much as me. I also love adventuring the coast, from the beaches to the hinterland, I’m a sucker for the beauty the coast offers.

We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee ? but what was your key motivation for entering the Miss Universe Australia competition?

Miss Universe Australia was something I always looked up to as a little girl, I follow most of the previous winners on Instagram and seeing the opportunities they have been presented with and how their platform is able to help them achieve goals was my key motivation for entering. Especially this year with Minespec Parts awarding the winner with $10 000 to put towards an education grant or a business start up, it made me realise that by competing in this competition, I could actually help make a difference in the local and national community.

A post shared by Madison Haley (@madihaley) on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:12pm PST

What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?

There isn’t really one particular thing I am looking forward to the most, the whole process has been so exciting and rewarding, and I would say I’m looking forward to the whole program itself. From getting to work with our amazing sponsors to the Youtube challenge vlogs, we get to make each week, to meeting the other girls and getting to the actual State Final. The team behind Miss Universe Australia has honestly made every step of the way a new experience and a positive one that I’m willing to put everything in to.

We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?

I would like to think that my communication skills come pretty natural to me and would help me stand out. With my history in acting and public speaking, crowds are kind of a given to me. I’ve come pretty close to mastering a way to speak in front of large groups of people without nerves (specifying pretty close, there are definitely still nerves sometimes).

With the state finals, just a few days away, has your routine changed at all?

I would definitely say that I have changed my routine to live a more healthy lifestyle, i’m exercising more times per week than usual and feeling so much better because of it. However, I am heading over to the States in a few days where I will have to stay strong and not fall into the temptation of all their delicious foods and generous servings.

What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?

The Miss Universe Australia pageant has already improved my confidence, and that is something I’d love to take with me and continue to work on personally. I have also been lucky enough to work a small bit with ToyBox International, and seeing first hand how a small amount of generosity can make a difference has shown me that continuing work in charity is something I’m very interested in. Getting the chance to impact and help others lives even in a small way would be a highly rewarding experience.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

It may not have been the funniest thing to me, but it definitely was to some Year Two students I was teaching. In all the rain we have been having on the coast lately, I was walking my class back to their teacher, and as we walked down the stairs I slipped and fell about 6 steps before turning around and seeing my students at the top of the steps uncontrollably laughing (I would have laughed too if I was them).

A post shared by Madison Haley (@madihaley) on Feb 17, 2018 at 11:41pm PST

How would your closest friend describe you?

They would probably have some embarrassing story or flashback to me playing a grandma in our school musical, but I would like to think they would describe me as determined, loving and spontaneous.

Name five things you can’t live without?

1. My family and friends 2. The beach (especially when the water is crystal clear) 3. Chocolate (in any form) 4. Travel 5. A good pair of jeans (you can never have too many)

What do you love the most about teaching speech and drama?

I love that I get to help kids have an escape from their everyday life, they get a chance to use their imagination and become the characters that they dream of. We don’t get to use our imagination very often as an adult, so allowing kids the time to be creative is very important in my eyes. As well as looking into their communication and performance skills which has an immediate effect on their confidence and how comfortable they are within themselves and their group. I believe the program I teach is helping kids stand tall and speak loud to get their message across, no matter what it is.

Madison is also raising money for ToyBox International please consider making a donation at EveryDayHero