Today we’re chatting with Paige Bentley from Queensland, one of 28 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2026 crown, to be decided on August 26 at Palladium, Crown Melbourne. In a first for the pageant, this year’s national final will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network.
So Paige, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
My name is Paige, and I’m a proud Queenslander, born and raised in Brisbane. Throughout my 24 years, I’ve always been passionate about making a difference for both people and animals, which inspired me to pursue a career in Veterinary Nursing. After spending 3 years in general practice, I’m now coming up to my 2nd year in my dream role as an Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nurse, where every second truly has the potential to make a lifesaving difference. Outside of work, I’m a bit of a surprise box—I’ve explored everything from dancing, choirs, musicals and playing the violin (which led me to become Music Captain), to playing touch football at Queensland State Cup, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practicing Muay Thai for over 7 years. While I love challenging myself and trying new things, I equally enjoy slowing down, whether that’s curling up with my pets to read my Kindle, or escaping to a peaceful farm cabin to unwind with some waterpainting.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
Miss Universe Australia had always been something I was interested in, but I never felt the timing was right. Then I realised that life is too short to keep waiting, and if not now, then when? One of the last conversations I had with my Nanna before she passed away was about all my dreams and aspirations, and she smiled and said, “You don’t want much, do you? That’s my girl!” Those words have stayed with me ever since and remind me that there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, as long as you’re willing to back yourself and take the leap. So on the 1st of January, I finally submitted my application. I didn’t just do it for myself; I did it because if sharing my journey can help even one person, then I’ve already created the impact I hoped for. After experiencing bullying and mental health challenges throughout high school, I want to show that your past doesn’t define your future, and I hope to be the light for someone else that I once needed myself.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. How was that experience for you?
Travelling to Vietnam and staying at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh was an unforgettable experience and one I’ll always be grateful for. It was actually my first trip without my family, so travelling over 6,000 km from home with a group of people (some I hadn’t yet met before) could have been daunting, but instead of feeling nervous, I was simply excited for the incredible adventure ahead. Beyond the stunning location, it was the friendships we formed and the shared experience of stepping outside our comfort zones that made the trip so special. I came home with lifelong memories, amazing connections and even more confidence in myself. It reminded me that some of the greatest opportunities begin the moment you choose to take a leap of faith.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
One moment I’ll never forget that happened was actually on our second night in Vietnam. After dinner, three of the other finalists and I went for a walk around the resort in our evening gowns, when two young sisters spotted us with their parents. They couldn’t stop smiling, excitedly asked for photos, and one of the little girls gave me the biggest hug before calling me her princess and gifting me a shell she had found. I still have that shell in my room today because it reminds me of the moment I truly understood what it feels like to be looked up to by someone. It was such a simple, yet powerful interaction, and it reaffirmed exactly why I chose to enter Miss Universe Australia: to hopefully inspire others and be a positive role model in the same way that little girl unknowingly inspired me.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
The swimwear shoot with Unnecessary was absolutely unreal. After years of struggling with self-confidence due to bullying, standing in front of that camera was a reminder of how far I’ve come and how important it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. Surrounded by such a supportive team, it became less about the photos themselves and more about confidence and authenticity.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Lexie Brant. What is one belief or perspective that you’ve changed your mind about recently, and what caused that change?
One perspective I’ve recently changed is the belief that I needed to be the most experienced person in the room to belong there. I used to ask myself, “What if I’m the least experienced in the room?” But I’ve learnt to shift that mindset to, “I’m in this room for a reason!” I’ve seen this throughout my Veterinary Nursing journey. When I was hired on my 2nd day of placement, I didn’t know everything, but someone saw potential in me and trusted that I could grow. Nobody is born with all the knowledge, and we shouldn’t expect ourselves to know everything immediately; that’s exactly where learning & growth come from. I carried that same perspective into Miss Universe Australia. I had never entered a pageant before, but I was chosen to be in that room for a reason. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t know, I’ve learnt that you don’t need to have all the answers to have something valuable to offer. Sometimes the greatest opportunities come from being willing to learn, showing up authentically and trusting that you’ve earned your place.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
What sets me apart is not where I started, but the choice I made to keep going. There was a time when I was asked, “How likely do you see your future?” and my answer was, “Highly unlikely.” I never imagined I would be standing here today as a Miss Universe Australia National Finalist, but despite the doubts of others and the moments I questioned myself, I refused to give up. I believe some people are placed in this universe to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, whether they have two legs or four, and I believe that is my purpose. As an Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nurse, I advocate for animals in their most vulnerable moments, but my compassion doesn’t end when I take off my scrubs. After some of my most emotionally demanding overnight shifts, I continue to show up volunteering with organisations such as Ocean Heroes to create meaningful experiences for children with disabilities. My journey has taught me that the challenges we face can either break us or become the reason we create change.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
One trip I would love to tick off my list before the end of 2026 is travelling to South Africa to volunteer with a Veterinary Conservation Program. To combine my passion for Veterinary Nursing with Wildlife Conservation would be an incredible opportunity—being able to support safari animals and contribute to habitat management, all whilst learning from those dedicated to protecting our planet’s incredible wildlife would be absolutely amazing! I would also love the chance to connect with the local communities and support schools there, because I believe creating change extends beyond animal welfare and begins with empowering people as well. It would be a dream to use my skills and compassion in a way that contributes to something much bigger than myself.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I could work on any dream project with no limits on time or resources, I would create a Veterinary Clinic dedicated to helping families who are facing financial barriers while trying to care for their beloved animals. One of the hardest parts of my role as an Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nurse is seeing owners who deeply love their pets but are struggling financially; it’s never our place to judge, it’s our place to help. While veterinary teams do everything they can, sometimes resources can only stretch so far, and I would love to create a space where no person has to feel they are choosing between their finances and their pet’s wellbeing.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding. This year represents stepping into the unknown, taking chances, and trusting that incredible things can happen when you have the courage to say yes to new opportunities.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
As a Veterinary Nurse, I have a lot of… questionable photos. I could make a whole collection from the amount of photos clients, friends, and family members have sent me to ask, “Is this normal?” followed by a photo of faeces… I call them “poop piccies.”
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever ignored was “Stop worrying about what others will think.” For a long time, I allowed the opinions of others to influence how I saw myself, but I learnt that chasing approval can hold you back from becoming who you’re meant to be. By trusting myself, embracing my journey, and pursuing my dreams despite fear of judgement, I’ve been able to step into opportunities I once never thought possible. I’ve realised the most important opinion is the one I have of myself.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
I can make a balloon person out of a surgery glove… my patients may not be amused, but it puts a smile on a kid’s face during a tough situation.
Where to Watch, Paige on the Miss Universe Australia National Final
The Miss Universe Australia National Final is being broadcast live on Seven Network on August 26, 2026. The live red-carpet coverage will begin at 7:00pm AEST, followed by the National Final at 7:30pm AEST on 7plus. The program then airs on Channel Seven following The Front Bar.
