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.
Starting off our home state interviews is Laura Hanlon one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held later this year in Melbourne at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Wednesday, August 31st, 2016 where the nations finalists will be competing for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2016.
Congratulations on making it so far in the coveted Miss Universe Australia competition, Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant? I loved how Miss Universe differed to other beauty pageants in the fact that one of its primary focus’ is to fundraise money for a selected charity each year. This opportunity to be able to help those in need was one of the primary reasons I was eager to be involved with Miss Universe Australia.
Speaking of inspiration what inspires you most?
My parents are my biggest inspirations. Having achieved so much in their lives, they are constantly pushing me to be the best individual I can be and because of this I am always striving for new opportunities to make them proud!
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant? From the Miss Universe Australia pageant, I hope to step out of my comfort zone and walk away a sense of fulfilment and greater self-Â?confidence. I have already made such close friendships with some my fellow state finalists so I would love to bring even more life-Â?long friendships out of this experience!
The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with charity are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe to advance?
One issue that I am particularly passionate about and would love to use the Miss Universe platform to advance is that of mental health. I am a Psychological Science student so mental health is something that has always been of interest to me and I believe the stigma surrounding this issue must be changed.
The rivalry between states is sure to be heightened this year why do you think Queensland is the best state to take out Miss Universe Australia?
A bit of state rivalry gives the whole experience that little bit more of a friendly buzz! I believe Queensland is the best state to take out the Miss Universe Australia title this year as competition is of our nature and state rivalry is what we do best! At the end of the day, our country is filled with so many gorgeous girls so the competition will be tough, but I believe we have what it takes to bring home the title.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What is something you find yourself always saying?
I don’t have a particular word or phrase I find myself saying quite often, however since starting my psychological science degree I always find myself explaining to people why they are thinking or feeling a certain way!
How would your closest friend describe you?
My closest friend would probably describe me as a very happy, bubbly and empathetic person who is always up for an adventure!
What are your top three values that you live by?
Honesty, respect and trust are my three top values that I apply to all aspects of my life.
Something that makes you stand out from other contestants?
I believe my red hair is a feature of mine that helps me stand out from other contestants.
What does your current fitness regime look like in the lead up to the state finals ..? My fitness regime leading into the state finals involves Hypoxi sessions three days per week, with cardio, boxing and strength training incorporated into my workouts on my Hypoxi-�free days!
Name five things you can’t live without?
Five things I couldn’t live without would have to include my friends, family, toothbrush, mobile phone and my dogs!
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song and why?
‘Shake it off’ by Taylor Swift would have to be my personal theme song! I love how it promotes self-�confidence and ignoring people negative opinions of yourself while still being a fun song to jam out to in the car!
