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 Maddisen O’donahoo 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 still cannot believe I have made it to this point today! A bit about me, I grew up in Melbourne where I started my degree in Architecture. I have always loved drawing and believed that a career in design would be perfect for me. Mid-degree I took a year off travelling around Europe to experience what this amazing world has to offer, and I am so glad that I did. Living in London and working at the end of my explorations made me grow as a person and allowed me to be very independent. Of course, I needed to come back to Australia to finish off my degree and passion for architecture, so I ended up here in Brisbane where I am in my last year of studying! When I’m not on the drawing board, you will find me running along the Brisbane River and exploring the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
For those who know me, they would tell you that if I want something badly enough, I will put in my all to get there. I am inspired by challenges that enable self-growth and getting the most out of life. When I saw a friend from Melbourne enter the competition on Social Media, I knew that I had to give it a shot. Not only is it a beauty pageant, but it is also a chance to challenge yourself and inspire others to be the best version of themselves!
Speaking of inspiration what inspires you most?
What inspires me most is a person’s ability to keep going. Life is hard at times, but in these circumstances, it doesn’t stop. I find it so admirable to see those who pick themselves up and continue to achieve their goals. I am so lucky to have people like this in my life, as they say, your vibe attracts your tribe!
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I have already brought out so much from the pageant within myself, and I am very proud of my dedication and desire to succeed. However now as I am moving forward deeper into the competition, I hope that I can be an inspiration for other people to try something new and put themselves out of their comfort zone. I also can’t wait to develop further the friendships I have made with the girls so far 🙂
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?
A social cause close to me, among every other woman in the world, is Share the Dignity Australia. Founded by a Brisbane woman, the charity’s aim is to provide homeless and at risk women nationally with sanitary products to allow them a sense of dignity at a time when they need it most. No woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating and buying sanitary items. In addition to providing pads and tampons to women in need, Share the Dignity also intends to raise money to establish national crisis accommodation facilities, and will lobby the federal government to abolish the tampon tax.
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?
Queensland girls just simply do it better! There must be something in the sun 😉
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What is something you find yourself always saying?
“Amazing!” I am very easily impressed by the smaller things in life.
How would your closest friend describe you?
I asked my best friend Hannah Davis to describe me. “My best friend is AMAZING! She is a glass half full kind of person no matter what the situation is. Positive isn’t even a strong enough word to describe her attitude and outlook on life. She is a problem solver and a go getter. If I had to put it into a saying, it would be “onwards and upwards” or “bring it on”. She’s beautiful, intelligent and caring. Her smile is more than contagious! She is resilient and ambitious to the next degree!”
What are your top three values that you live by?
Determination, positivity and kindness. Not only kind to others, but also remembering to be kind to yourself!
Something that makes you stand out from other contestants?
I guess that I have never had any modelling experience, and I am coming into this with a clean slate. I am open-minded and willing to learn as much as I can and hope that my positive attitude can reflect on other contestants and inspire them too because we are all in this together.
What does your current fitness regime look like in the lead up to the state finals ..?
Let’s just say you may confuse me as a permanent fixture at the gym lately haha. I have been up every morning before sunrise to attend Metabolic Conditioning and Boxing classes (my favourite) at Think24 Fitness Newstead while also continuing my running. I am so grateful to have such great support from the team there and the ability to train with the other girls too!
Name five things you can’t live without?
Cuddles from Mum, Herbal Tea, Cats, Active Wear and my Peter Alexander Vanilla Caramel candle )
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song and why?
The recent Calvin Harris and Rihanna song “This is what you came for”. Especially when I’m working out, this song reminds me of what I came for and motivates me to keep going!
