COVER STORY

Moraya Wilson Taking on the Universe

An exclusive interview with Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson, as she reflects on her journey and preparing to hand over her crown

Moraya Wilson Taking on the Universe

What a year it’s been for Moraya Wilson! As she wraps up her time as Miss Universe Australia, we caught up with her to chat about the highlights, the challenges, and the moments that defined her journey. From her amazing run at the Miss Universe International Final to the incredible connections she’s made, Moraya’s experience has been nothing short of inspiring. She shares her thoughts on what this past year has meant to her and what’s next as she heads into a new and exciting chapter.

Congratulations on an incredible year! How does it feel to be finishing up your reign as Miss Universe Australia? 

The feeling of wrapping up my time as Miss Universe Australia is nostalgic for me—I can’t believe it’s already been a year! I have had such a memorable reign in so many ways. I’m definitely going to miss this chapter of my life and all that I’ve accomplished this year.

However, I am so excited for the next adventure after my reign. It really does feel like a big moment of gratitude, looking back on all I achieved as Miss Universe Australia, and also looking forward to all I still have yet to achieve.

Coming 2nd runner-up at the Miss Universe International Final in El Salvador is a remarkable achievement. Can you share what this accomplishment means to you personally and professionally?

It truly is something I’m so proud of. I went into this whole experience hoping to get the absolute most out of everything I did, and I feel like that happened. Coming 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe not only makes every sacrifice I made and all the hard work and dedication I put into my preparation for Miss Universe worth it, but it also gave me confidence in what I can achieve professionally when I put my mind to something I’m passionate about.

The community I gained from Miss Universe is indescribable. I feel so much love from people all over the world, and they inspire me so much to keep pushing my own limits and chasing my goals.

How would you say your life has changed since being crowned Miss Universe Australia ?

I feel like I have really grown as a person this year. Miss Universe Australia puts you in a position where you can truly thrive and flourish as an individual. Since being crowned, I have had the chance to make an impact with my platform, which is something I have been working towards my whole life.

I have been able to push my message that ‘sport is for everyone’ and inspire girls around the world to get active and involved in sport. I receive many messages a day from young girls and boys all over the world telling me about their sporting journeys and successes. That impact and feedback alone has changed my life.

What were some of your proudest moments during the past year?

I really have so many to count! One of my biggest achievements has been the skills I have developed throughout the year. What used to scare me 12 months ago feels like light work now—haha! I’m also incredibly proud of how hard I worked to get to where I am today.

In the lead-up to Miss Universe, I was completing my double bachelor degree, training my runway walk, practising my interview and Q&A, sourcing outfits, fitting my gowns, shooting with sponsors, organising shoots and video campaigns, and doing my first media tour around Australia, talking about my crown and National Costume. My plate was so full, but I did it, and I’m so proud of the results.

Opening Alin Le Kal at Melbourne Fashion Festival was another incredible moment. To go from hoping to be cast in a show back when I first started modelling in 2016, to opening and closing a Haute Couture collection felt surreal. Additionally, making a difference in people’s lives where I can, mentoring younger girls, speaking at schools, and pushing what I believe in, has been an incredible experience.

You’ve been involved in several international campaigns. Could you tell us about one that was particularly meaningful to you?

Absolutely, my first global campaign was the one shot in Amsterdam with the amazing Seamless1 team. That was such an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to work with a team that I have looked up to since I first started modelling.

I loved getting to showcase my strength in the crossover between high-fashion modelling and speaking and presenting around Amsterdam. It was actually my first time in both Amsterdam and Paris, which felt so special since I was there doing the things that I love.

Speaking at schools is such an impactful way to inspire the next generation. What message do you hope to leave with the students you spoke to this year?

My message to the students I’ve spoken to is that, at the end of the day, it comes down to you. No one else can work out for you, no one else can eat well for you, and no one else can do the work for you. If you want something, then you need to put yourself out there and do it.

Life can sometimes be scary and uncertain, but in those moments when you’re scared to take a risk and do something, push yourself and do it anyway. You all have a gift and purpose to bring to the world—if you follow that, then you’re on the right path.

This year has certainly been a whirlwind and something you mentioned is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Can you share a specific experience whee these traits were crucial?

Yes, definitely, I’ve had many testing moments this year. So many new experiences and hurdles were thrown my way, but with the right mindset, support team, and the ability to just go with the flow, I was able to get through everything that came my way.

Becoming Miss Universe Australia comes with a whole new environment to step into, and I think that making sure I never forgot who I am and what I represent helped me adapt to this new landscape. I speak a lot about the importance of sport in teaching resilience from a young age, and I believe that message couldn’t be more cemented in my mind after being able to adapt and learn new skills as I navigated this role and all that comes with it.

What has been the most rewarding part of connecting with other women from around the country and the world ?

I think the best part of connecting with women around the world and Australia is that everyone I’ve met and worked with has inspired me so much. The women in this community are so powerful—it’s unbelievable—and the impact they have in their communities is inspiring. I have never felt more motivated and inspired than when I was at Miss Universe, learning about 85 other incredible women.

What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned that you’d like to pass on to the future finalists ?

Some key lessons are to always show up as yourself, be proud of who you are, and the experiences that have shaped you. Everything in this world is temporary—temporary fun, temporary pain, temporary successes. Try to learn something from each and every experience you have and apply it to your next adventure.

Have gratitude for the people who cross paths with you; everyone is there to teach you a lesson and support you. The biggest and most important lesson is to be authentic. Don’t just talk the talk; remember to walk the walk as well.

Moraya Wilson Taking on the Universe

Next month in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth you will be crowning our next Miss Universe Australia, what is one piece of advice you would share to help her on the year ahead? ?

I’m so excited for the next Miss Universe Australia to experience her year. It truly is so special and unique. My best piece of advice would be to make this journey what you want it to be. You have your own path and memories to make, so take it all in and love every moment. Leave no regrets and give it your all—you only get one go at it! I’ll be here cheering and supporting you along the way.

As you move into the next chapter of your life, what message would you like to share with those who have supported you throughout your reign? ?

I really couldn’t have done this alone. I feel so lucky to have had such incredible people supporting my every move and decision along the way—people who would drop everything to help me where they could. The team at Pink Tank, who said yes to every idea I had leading up to Miss Universe, as well as my coaches and mentors, Jay and Thelma, and the unbelievable sponsors who wrapped me in their arms and did everything in their power to ensure I would have a successful year.

I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am and will be forever grateful for the love and generosity of everyone in this Miss Universe Australia family.

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or goals are you most looking forward to in the coming years ?

I’m really excited for the next few months in particular. This year has given me the opportunity to meet and work with so many incredible, influential people around the world. I’ve been able to move forward on projects with some very special people and brands that will be coming to fruition in the next few months.

I will always have a love for teaching and mentoring, so stay tuned for a project in that area coming up very soon! I’m also incredibly excited to explore other industries I have yet to step into—TV and acting are spaces I’m looking forward to exploring in the near future

Where do you see yourself making the biggest impact in the coming years?

I hope my biggest impact remains consistent with what I have always wanted to achieve through the Miss Universe platform. I have been so fortunate to grow an incredible audience from around the world, and I hope that I continue inspiring young girls and boys to work hard, push themselves, be resilient, and chase their goals.

I’m deeply grateful for everyone’s support across all areas of my endeavours, and I hope that in the coming years, my message and impact will continue to multiply.

Thank you, forever your Miss Universe Australia 2023.

Stay Tuned for Moraya’s Next Big Move..

As Moraya Wilson closes one chapter and opens another, there’s no telling where her journey will lead next. Keep an eye out for her upcoming projects and adventures, you can follow her on socials below.