Well, it’s that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with State finals kicking off across the country.
Later this month at the Hotel Grand Chancellor , Surfers Paradise the judging panel will select the Queensland representatives in the 2015 Pageant.
Starting off our state finalist interviews we chat with Hannah Park one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held on June 5 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins where the countries finalists will be competing for the 2015 title.
Congratulations on Making it so far in the coveted miss universe Australia competition tell us a little about yourself …? Thank you very much! I have recently graduated from university and am now settling into my new identity without school. I am currently working as an administration officer for a not-for profit supporting the rural health workforce of QLD. My role is extremely diverse and I am lucky enough to work with a company where I am able to learn and expand my skills. I also like to see myself as an entrepreneur and have started my own events company called Irreplaceable Events. We current facilitate events that raise money for local charities. 
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….
As a young woman I struggled with my self-esteem and would always try to mould myself into someone else’s definition of who I should be. I have been lucky enough to know driven women who have done very well in pageantry and modelling, and I have often thought to myself “I wonder if I could do that”. Thus I am doing this to show myself that I can. I am learning so much on this journey and I want to share this experience with other young women who are going through similar struggles. Miss Universe provides an excellent platform to make lasting change in the world and progressing my chosen career. Miss universe is a personal challenge as much as it is a competition; that’s what drew me towards competing.
Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …?
I take my inspiration from those people I meet every day, people who share similar values and beliefs that have conquered difficult situations and achieved success in life. For instance, one of my greatest inspirations is my mum, a single mother who was also a commander in the AFP, her strength and infallible spirit teaches me to never give up, no matter how much life gets you down. She taught me to keep fighting. Those of you who are consistently trying your best inspire me. Those of you who have been knocked down one thousand times but got up that one thousand and first time, they are the real inspiration, no matter how famous, successful, influential they may be.
If you are successful in the pageant you will become a possible inspiration or role model to many young girls how does this sit with you …? And what do you consider are the attributes of a good role model …?
I am absolutely prepared to become a role model to those who may look up to me, and to accept that responsibility. To be a good role model, a woman should be someone with pure intentions, someone who understands the responsibility that comes with being a leader. She should believe in empowerment and not judgement. She should encourage personal growth and instil self-belief into those who look up to her. She should be courageous in the sense that she will not shy away from a new challenge. As a role model today you are a leading others and it is your responsibility to ensure their path is as educational, inspiring and as positive as possible.
The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with charity are their any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of miss universe to advance …?
I feel so incredibly blessed to live the life I have, to be healthy, to have a warm comfortable home, to have a job. This is why I am a huge supporter of charities that assist women and children and am currently creating events with Act For Kids and Dress For Success, both local charities. I would love the opportunity to use the Miss Universe platform to advance the coverage and awareness for our events, thus raising both awareness and funds for charity.
What do you think will set you out from the rest of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …?
My fellow Miss Universe contestants are all amazing women, yes I have Instragram stalked a lot of you. The women chosen seem to have very similar values and aspirations in life so it will be tough to figure out what sets us apart. I think the best policy is to focus on my own personal journey rather than comparing myself to others. Three qualities that I can bring to the Miss Universe competition are compassion, honesty and integrity.
What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …?
Smile- happy looks good on you. Is that a sufficient answer? I think by having a healthy mind and a positive outlook on life is the best way to stay beautiful. If you are at peace with life and happy with who you are, it will show through and people will be attracted to your vitality. Your smile is your best beauty weapon!
For a tangible beauty secret, I fell into the trap of coconut oil and now I am obsessed, any one that knows me will tell you that. I use it on my hair and my skin. I swear I would bathe in it if I could.
And speaking of personal style fitness is fast becoming more and more a part of the person’s personal style … how would you describe your fitness regime …?
One word – Fun! Exercise should be a part of your lifestyle not a temporary fix. Although it’s still difficult and my oh my, can it hurt, I have made it something I enjoy doing. I think the key is mixing it up, for example, I love doing the classes at the gym with the loud music and group environment, I love boxing and I do yoga almost every morning. I also lead an active lifestyle and love being outdoors.
We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..?
I am the queen of mantras! But I have a new one every hour of everyday. I read this recently, it is an old Chinese proverb – “the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now”. More simply, there’s no time like the present!
Ask me again tomorrow for a new one!
Now the Quick 5
1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? I used to be terrified of public speaking, to the point where I would wither fake sick to get out of a presentation in school, cry or have a panic attack. Now look at me, I MC events and am able to confidently articulate my option to a panel of judges on stage!
2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..?
My home, where I am most comfortable. Lounging in the sun on the balcony with a cup of tea.
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song …?
Beyonce – I was here (I <3 Beyonce). The lyrics and emotion in this song are perfectly compatible to me at this moment in time.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …?
Probably to stop trying to impress so many people and moulding myself into what I thought others would like me to be and to be myself. You have to love yourself first – Carrie Bradshaw
and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?
- My family would be top of the list
- Comedy – everyone needs a good laugh
- Books – I love reading and I love learning!
- Comfy undies (cant achieve anything when your basics are digging into places they shouldn’t be)
- Tea – because it is my creature comfort
