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 Jessica Hobbs 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 tell us a little about yourself..?
Thank you! I’m so excited. My name is Jess and I’m 21 years old. I’m originally from the beautiful Cairns but I moved to Brisbane three years ago to study Journalism and Communications majoring in public relations… I’ve got one year to go, so I am super excited! I practically grew up diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and camping out west with my family. I’ve also always been a very keen traveller. I love experiencing new places and new cultures!

Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I actually participated in MUA last year and unfortunately I didn’t make it through to nationals. It was such a great experience so I was really excited to try again this year. Originally, I was really inspired by the previous Miss Universe Australia winners – they’ve all achieved so much in their careers and done so many great things… I dream of accomplishing the things that they have since their reign!!

Speaking of inspiration what inspires you most?
I am super inspired by strong, passionate, and motivated women! It is so easy to get knocked down and convince yourself that some thing’s just aren’t possible – especially in the profession that I want to pursue – so it’s really inspiring to see women who have kept trying and have made it to the top purely with their drive and passion! Travelling also inspires me. I think everybody needs to travel in his or her lifetime – it opens your eyes to so many different and amazing ways of life and it can really make you see your life in the big scheme of things.

What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Whether I make it through to nationals or not, I know that I will come out of Miss Universe Australia with new skills, new friendships, but most of all more confidence!

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?
In the past two years I have had many people close to me suffer from depression. It’s not something that young Australians are really taught about growing up, and I feel like as I have grown older, I have come to a scary realisation that depression is a lot more common than I ever thought, especially among many of my adolescent male friends. I would love to work with Beyond Blue to help break down the stigma surrounding depression and other mental illnesses. I would love to live in a world where everybody understands depression and those suffering know they’re not alone and it’s okay to talk about.

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
Only the ultimate Aussie chicks come from the Sunshine State! Haha. We will come packing a punch. We’re determined, we’re passionate, and we’re a strong team… The other states better watch out!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is something you find yourself always saying…?
“Oh my god”

How would your closest friend describe you?
I’m caring, organized, and I always make sure everybody is included.

What are your top three values that you live by?
Quality time with my family, my friends, and staying true to yourself.

Something that makes you stand out from other contestants?
I’m (almost) fluent in Italian – when I was 14 I did a student exchange in Italy for a year!

What does your current fitness regime look like in the lead up to the state finals…?
Currently, I have a one-on-one PT session once a week, two group sessions a week, and I do reformer Pilates, and go for walks along the river in between!

Name five things you can’t live without?
My parents, my friends, my phone, my bankcard, and my border collie Moet!

What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song and why…?
I don’t really have one! But Flume is my all time favourite artist! So my anthem at the moment would probably be Never Be Like You!