Well, Autumn is in full swing, and It’s also that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with state finalists being announced across the country.
So we thought it would be a perfect time to kick off some home state interviews with Rielli Portegys. Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Thank you! My name is Rielli, and I’m 21 years old from Cairns in beautiful Far North Queensland, I grew up on a dairy farm in a little town called Millaa Millaa. I’m studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Media Design. I hope to one day be a successful designer with my own business but as for now, I work for Red Bull Australia, which I love!
We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee but what was your key motivation for entering the MUA competition?
After losing my Nan, I realised life is short, and I want to live life to the fullest and experience as much as I can, and MUA is definitely up there on the top of my list.
What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?
I’m excited to be involved in raising money for charities, supporting our amazing sponsors and making new and lasting friendships.
We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
I believe I am the only one in MUA that is a farm girl, I have grown up on a dairy farm, in Far North Qld and have been raised in an environment where hard work and compassion are a part of everyday life. Nothing is more important then your animals health and well being, and looking after the land we farm. This lifestyle has made me who I am today, which is a very low maintenance, down to earth, easy going, grounded person.
With the state finals, less than a fortnight away, has your routine changed at all?
I’ve always been super active before MUA as I have soccer three times a week, on weekends I play golf or tennis and I’m always going on hikes. Due to always concentrating on cardio I’ve started incorporating strength training by going to the gym. I have 3 PT sessions with Lodestar each week which includes weight training. My PT Chris is always pushing me harder and harder each week.
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Confidence with public speaking is one of my main aims. I’ve always struggled with public speaking, and I’d love to step out of my comfort zone and improve these skills.
We will wrap up with a few irrelevant and random questions, now that my coffee has worn off.
Name five things you can’t live without?
My family! Mum is my personal stylist; she puts all my outfits together! I would be so lost without her. My best friend Rahni of ten years is always there for me, my puppy Max is the love of my life, my Mac book! Being a designer, it’s like my life and of course my phone.
How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up?
I normally scroll until I see a food video and then stop because I get hungry.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Competitive, determined, motivated but with no style or dress sense.
When You Dance, You look like?
Calamari on a hot plate haha! Not my strong suit but doesn’t stop me!
Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention… What do you think pets dream about?
Oh, that’s easy! They say pets are like their owners, so I know for sure my Max dreams about beaches, Channing Tatum and fairy floss!
So not long now until this highly anticipated event that will see 28 of QLD’s most beautiful women compete to secure a spot as a QLD National Finalist, and go on to compete in and represent QLD in the Miss Universe Australia National Final. Get Your Ticket Here
