It’s that exciting time of year again! We’re chatting with Octavia Beck from Victoria, one of the 28 remarkable and accomplished women from diverse backgrounds vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. The winner is set to be crowned in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth on the 5th of September.

So, Octavia, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

I’m Octavia. I’m 19 and from Victoria. I’m currently studying an Associate’s Degree in Dermal Science. I would describe myself as prim and proper on the outside but rather goofy on the inside! I have a very caring and nurturing personality and find myself naturally gravitating towards taking care of people and situations.

What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?

I decided to take the leap into the program because over the past year I’ve been on a journey of self-growth and really pushing myself to get outside my comfort zone. Miss Universe Australia was a perfect programme to continue this growth.

As part of the programme, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietjet, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?

This experience was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Not only was the Hoiana Resort & Golf absolutely beautiful, but I also got to experience the culture and the warmth of the Vietnamese people.

What would you say was the highlight of the trip?

There were many highlights of my trip; every day was a highlight. The one that moved me the most was visiting Hearing and Beyond. It was a wonderful opportunity to see how the school aids in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Can you describe an experience in Vietnam that pushed you out of your comfort zone?

I was pushed out of my comfort zone while participating in the Nida course. I felt exposed and a little on edge, but after a few hours, I was so happy I had this opportunity to gain some amazing life skills.

Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson. Imagine you’re standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024. What advice would you give to your younger self?

While standing on stage with the title of Miss Universe Australia 2024, I would tell my younger self not to worry about what others around me think and do. My journey is my journey. Trust my gut and go for it.

With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the programme, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?

We are all unique, and this is what Miss Universe Australia is all about. What I can think of that sets me apart from the other girls is that I’m the youngest. I believe this allows me to bring an honest vulnerability to the programme.

What’s something about you that people might find surprising?

People would be surprised to know that I’m a real homebody and love nothing more than to end my night with a cup of tea and a good series. I’m currently watching The Good Doctor on Netflix.

If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?

A dream project of mine would be working alongside scientists to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes, which my sister was recently diagnosed with.

We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?

I would love to master riding my Kawasaki motorbike. It has always been an interest of mine, and I would love to take it to the next level and beat my brother at Motocross.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

The most adventurous thing I’ve done was going off-trail snowmobiling. I was freaking out but had an amazing adrenaline rush.

Do you have a guilty pleasure that you enjoy?

My guilty pleasure is picking out the jelly gummies in a big slab of Cadbury Marvellous Creations chocolate while watching Gossip Girl for the 12th time in bed.

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?

The superpower I would choose to have for the day would be the power to heal so I can heal the sick people in the world so that they don’t have to suffer.

Help Octavia and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference

Octavia, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, has collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2024 charities: Camp Quality and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below:

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