The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 29.
We are chatting with Sally Kurzke, from Victoria who will be competing for the 2017 title of Miss Universe Australia,
Following in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins, Rachael Finch, Tegan Martin & Jesinta Campbell.
First of all the introduction, Why don’t you tell us about yourself?
My Name is Sallyanne Kurzke, I am 21 years old and representing Kilmore, Victoria.
I grew up in the horse racing game with my father being a huge enthusiast. I love riding although more times than ever I fall off more than I stay on, it doesn’t stop me though. I am a big advocate for mental health and helped run the Macedon Ranges mental health program Live4Life when I was just 15.
My biggest obsession though would be LIP SYNCING; I honestly believe if there were a lip sync competition in Melbourne I would be able to win it with ease! I currently reside in Doncaster with my two best friends from back home, and we have two beautiful dogs which make up our little family.
Sally Congratulations on winning a Wildcard and making it so far in the such a coveted competition, we have to ask how the overall experience has been so far?
Honestly, I am so over the moon about winning a wild card! I wanted this so badly and am just so incredibly excited! Miss Universe Australia has been the biggest personal growth experience for me! If you could see how I presented myself last year at the state final and this year at the state final, the difference is off the scale and I’m really proud of how hard I managed to push myself this year. Troy and Soph have made this competition so rewarding with all our amazing sponsors, but all the support and guidance you receive that helps you in everyday life is the part that I cherish most.
It’s not long now until the finals, how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before the finals get underway?
I honestly wasn’t expecting a wildcard, so preparations started with me putting away the cake every night LOL! I have been smashing out gym sessions with the amazing crew at Hurtlocker Richmond though; they always keep me on my toes! I’ve been pretty lucky with my personal development continuing even after, I was eliminated at the state final this year, so I do take time out for me and I think that’s the biggest part of preparation for me would be mentally preparing to make sure I am doing everything I can to be the best possible version of me!
With so many women all bring their individual flare to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
I think this year there are some real strong competitors amongst these 31 beauties! I do believe however what sets me apart would be my upbringing. I had a pretty unique upbringing with my dad being diagnosed with terminal cancer when I was 14. I was going to school and assisting as his carer in between from then onwards right up until May last year when he sadly passed. I had to basically grow up overnight from 14 to an adult, and while it was tough at the time, I think that has given me such a strong drive in life, and such a great head start. I know what it’s like to work hard, I know what it’s like to be exhausted constantly, and I had to watch my hero at the time disappear to somebody who then needed my assistance to survive. It’s so easy for us to take every day things for granted but I got to learn very early how important it is to appreciate these things.
It was definitely something I struggled with but now am so proud that I managed to be able to do. He taught me the true meaning of fighting with everything you’ve got, and now I’ve taken that and applied it here, and it’s got me this far!
Speaking of unique flare or style what would you say is your best style or beauty secret?
This question makes me so excited to see what all the other girls say! Always up for a secret beauty tip!
Mine would definitely be using the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold before a night out! Working full time most of my events are spontaneous, or I simply don’t have enough time to tan, but Bondi Sands have been the biggest lifesaver! I have an obsession with tanning, I literally would rather stay home than go out with a tan on but when I’m short of time I always have at least two bottles under my bathroom sink just in case! So any last minute event ladies and gents! Pop this bad boy on!
What inspired you to enter in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
My father did. I can be quite an over thinker and harsh critic of myself, I mean who isn’t? Dad wanted me to try something that will make me challenge these parts of myself, and I can’t even tell you how much it sure has challenged me not only in these areas but many!
Speaking of inspiration who or what inspires you most?
Melanie Gleeson is my biggest inspiration. Melanie is the co-founder of Endota Spa. She has built an entire empire based on her own personal values and morals, now running one of the biggest day spa franchises in Australia, Melanie has kept the companies visions and culture completely intact. I am huge support of empowering women and embracing our natural beauties so Endota is the perfect fit for me and I would love to see myself setting my entire career in Melanie’s guidance and grace.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
Hmm, what a good question! I like to think I am a pretty unique person. I think most people wouldn’t pick me to be a rapper, but I certainly like to think I can “Bust a rhyme” here and there! I love putting on rap songs in the car and flaunting my skills to my friends!!
What does the average day look like for you?
Generally speaking, my days are so different, full of spontaneous adventures, last minute dinner plans and just “going with the flow: but I do have a few things are your general routine. Obviously, food is a priority, even though my diet has become strict in the lead-up, I always aim for a fasted cardio in the morning and then I get a shower and breakfast before work. After a “long day in the office ;)” I nominate the time to walk Angus and spend some time with him before doing whatever the night has planned; Generally, my day starts 5 am and ends around 9-11pm! But that’s a rough guide
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
Definitely taking my Angus to the dog park! I love the walking trails there, and he loves a good play time, it’s good to just get outside and have fun! Appreciating the simple things really helps to ground me.
What is something you find yourself saying all the time?
“I totally forgot!” I manage to forget something on a daily basis! This morning I woke up and forgot I had a gym classed book and couldn’t work out what I was forgetting for 10 minutes! Luckily I still made it to class on time.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice five years ago what would it be?
To keep the midnight 7/11 runs for Krispy Kremes to a minimum because I can’t imagine my body keeping up with that in 5 year’s time!
And finally what are the five things you couldn’t live without?
1. Bondi Sands – My obsession with Bondi Sands is a huge part of how I keep myself feeling confident, whether it is liquid gold or ultra-dark I can’t imagine my life without a tan ahah!
2. Nutella – Having a small jar of this in my bedside drawer is a key point to my happiness; I remember mum used to hide from me as a child because I am actually obsessed with the stuff!! Don’t be surprised if it back stage at Nationals with a jar!
3. My phone – Lets be real, in this modern day society we all spend so much time on our phones and I am no exception, all my favourite moments are captured on there as well so it’s a necessity! Need to keep those snapchat streaks 😉
4 My runners – Having my sketchers in the car, a pair at home and sometimes even in my handbag if they fit! I find myself popping these on at the most random times but I always go on spontaneous adventures so having them handy is a must for my lifestyle!
5. Finally the most important being my smile, I know its probably an answer you get every time you ask but honestly, my smile being on makes my entire day shift! Its what helps me remained focus and just enjoy the day and its challenges!
