MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA
2025 NATIONAL FINALISTS
ANNALEESE CARUSO
Annaleese Caruso is a 28-year-old performer and content creator from Adelaide, South Australia. While Adelaide is home, she often splits her time between Australia and the U.S. with her husband, professional MMA fighter Antonio Caruso.
A professional singer and former The Voice Australia contestant, Annaleese also works as the lead model and content creator for a women’s fashion boutique, merging her love for fashion, creativity, and being in front of the camera.
Her passion for self-expression and performance made Miss Universe Australia a natural next step. Through the platform, she hopes to inspire women to dream boldly and pursue their goals with confidence.
ASH DONNER
Ash is a 21-year-old Melbourne-based first-generation Australian with South African roots. Inspired by her parents’ values of passion, discipline, and hard work, she launched her first clothing brand at 17 during COVID and a second at 19.
Now in her final year of a double degree in Business Management and Marketing, Ash balances uni life with roles in social media management, retail, modelling, and content creation. A pilates lover and beach enthusiast, she shares self-love tips online and dreams of becoming a media personality, using her platform to empower young women in business while embracing their feminine energy.
ASHA COOPER
At 22, Asha is a tech founder, psychology honours student, and STEM educator passionate about helping young people turn limitations into possibilities. Raised in a remote town over 1,000 km from Brisbane, she co-founded URFLO - a startup helping creators and brands scale with confidence.
Through her STEM education work across Queensland, Asha empowers students to embrace curiosity, build confidence, and see themselves as future leaders in tech fields. Her journey proves that being multi-passionate is a strength - and where you start doesn’t define where you’ll go.
BIANCA BLACK
Meet Bianca Black, also known as B/BB. Bianca is a model, actress, and co-host of Liv and Let B, a podcast created with her best friend to navigate the chaos of their late 20s. From body image to relationships - her mindset is all about turning the chaos into growth and sometimes, just having a laugh and letting things be.
Of Greek heritage and full of fiery energy, Bianca is fiercely loyal, driven, and always up for an adventure. Whether she’s working out, cuddling her dogs, or chasing spontaneous plans, she lives life all in.
Her biggest dream is to use her voice, social media platform and podcast to help young women ditch self-doubt, build unmatched confidence, and to know they're more powerful and valuable than they think.
BRIANA DEMAIO
Bri, 23, works in marketing as a Partnerships Executive at one of Australia’s largest media companies. With a strong Italian upbringing, she values family, connection, and the simple joy of shared moments.
Aiming to become a Television Presenter, Bri sees Miss Universe Australia as a step toward building the confidence to achieve her lifelong childhood dream. After discovering she carries the BRCA2 gene earlier this year, Bri hopes to raise awareness about the significance of genetic testing and its impact on people’s lives.
“Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself, inside and out” - a quote by Audrey Hepburn that reflects her own values. Audrey isn’t just someone she admires, she quite literally looks up to her every day, with a portrait hanging right above her bed.
BRIGITTE MURPHY
Originally from a sheep farm on Kangaroo Island, Brigitte is a country girl turned veterinarian in Albury-Wodonga, where she performs life-saving surgeries, solves complex medical cases, and supports pet owners through tough decisions.
Beyond her work, she enjoys time with family and friends, playing netball, and going to the gym. Passionate about animal welfare, she has worked on rabies elimination programs in Thailand and aims to advocate for responsible pet ownership and animal health on a global scale.
Brigitte is committed to breaking beauty stereotypes, challenging assumptions in male-dominated fields like veterinary medicine, and advocating for mental health - especially for women in high-pressure careers. Being a former model, she understands the struggles of self-image and now uses her voice to empower young women to embrace their worth beyond appearances. Her mission: to prove that beauty, intelligence, and strength can - and should - coexist.
CARA MOONEY
Cara is a 21 year-old Fremantle local in her final year of her Commerce degree at Notre Dame University, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing.
With a strong passion for cinematography, video editing, and event planning, she has always been drawn to creative expression and the power of storytelling.
Having grown up camping, surfing, and snorkelling under the Australian sun, Cara has seen the toll of skin cancer firsthand. Through the Miss Universe Australia platform, she’s focused on promoting sun safety, aiming to empower young women to make confident, sun-smart choices in a world shaped by social media and tanning trends.
CHELSEA JOHNSTON
Chelsea, 25, is a proud Queenslander with a love for sunshine and the Australian coast. Working as a model for over a decade, she has carved out a career filled with incredible opportunities, from travelling internationally with Triangl Swimwear to working with iconic Australian brands such as Seafolly, Billabong, and Kookai. Her work has also extended to commercial television and runway.
Chelsea holds a Business degree from the University of Queensland. She combines her love of marketing with her passion for connecting people to organise social events, and was recently on an all-girls ball committee, where she helped raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
Looking ahead, Chelsea has goals of stepping further into the entertainment industry, levelling up her modelling career, hosting fashion weeks, and growing into a confident TV personality. Miss Universe Australia has come at a pivotal time in her life. For her, this journey is about celebrating personal growth, embracing new challenges, and showing others that you can achieve your goals if you set your mind to it.
CHLOE HARDY
Chloe Hardy was born and raised on the Gold Coast and has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, with dreams of building something of her own. She is now the founder of Dupes & Co, an affordable, Australian-made cosmetics brand that has recently expanded into the USA. Chloe created Dupes & Co to provide Australians with accessible beauty options during a time of rising living costs, driven by a vision of making quality living achievable for everyone.
One of Chloe’s proudest accomplishments is owning two properties on the Gold Coast, a milestone that speaks to her dedication and work ethic. She also works as a freelance model which is a role that allows her to express her creativity and confidence in front of the camera.
Beyond business and modelling, Chloe is passionate about health and wellness, with interests in pilates, travel, and nutrition. Her ultimate goal is to grow Dupes & Co into a globally recognised brand while continuing to develop her modelling and content creation career.
DANA DIAMATARIS
Dana Diamataris is a 27-year-old proud Greek Australian, raised in a culture full of passion, love, and incredible food. A qualified lawyer with degrees in Criminology and Law, she’s now completing her Master of Teaching to become an educator who uplifts and inspires.
Dana lives life with energy - from Pilates to foodie adventures - and is deeply committed to wellness in both body and soul. Her dream is to combine her love for storytelling, culture, and travel into a career as a TV presenter, using media to educate, connect, and share real, authentic voices.
As a mental health advocate and eating disorder survivor, Dana speaks openly about her journey to help break stigma, create space for honest conversations, and inspire others to find strength and self-worth. She's living proof that healing and confidence are possible.
ELIANA CHARNLEY
Eliana is currently in her final year of University, where she is completing a double degree in Law and Commerce. With a strong academic foundation, Eliana is aspiring to pursue a career in the commercial law sector, with a particular focus on litigation and dispute resolution. Her passion lies in navigating complex legal challenges and advocating effectively in high-stakes environments, making this area of law a natural fit for her ambitions.
Beyond her academic interests, Eliana is an avid surfer who finds joy and clarity in the ocean. While the Perth coastline offers limited surf opportunities, she takes every chance she can to travel down south. Eliana brings determination, focus, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does.
GEORGIA DEWSTOW-SMITH
Georgia is a passionate fitness instructor and the founder of Ready Freddie, an e-commerce brand specialising in cozy, one-piece garments designed for those in-between moments backstage or simply relaxing at home. The brand was born in Paris, where Georgia co-founded it with one of her best friends. Despite now running the business long distance, their partnership remains strong and deeply rewarding.
Before launching her business, Georgia spent nearly five years dancing at the world renowned Moulin Rouge in Paris. Her time there was filled with unforgettable experiences, including performing at major events like the MotoGP and, most memorable, the 2024 Olympic Ceremony, a career highlight that deeply influenced her next chapter as an entrepreneur.
Georgia has always held a deep passion for health and fitness which has led her to becoming a certified fitness instructor, committed to helping others prioritise their physical and mental health. She is excited to stand alongside other strong, inspiring women and embrace this next chapter with gratitude, purpose, and joy.
HÀNNI HOWE
Hànni is a journalist, presenter, and content creator with a passion for storytelling that entertains, empowers, and resonates. A proud force in sports media, she joined Channel 7 at 21, reporting and producing across national news and sport - one of her proudest achievements.
She’s hosted radio shows, emceed major events, and built a strong presence in Australian media. Creative at heart, Hànni dreams of blending sport, fashion, and entertainment - whether she’s working boundary-side at AFL games, hosting red carpets like the Brownlow, or fronting events such as Australian Fashion Week. She aspires to travel as a global media correspondent and launch a podcast spotlighting women in sport, fashion, and entertainment - proving these worlds don’t just coexist, they thrive together.
Off-screen, she’s an RSPCA ambassador, cat and dog mum, and part-Dutch (which explains both her height and the pronunciation of her name - Honey). A mystery novel lover, film and TV buff, and Pixar crier, she’s embracing 2025 with a mantra: take risks, make moves, trust the process.
ISABELLA CZARNOCKI
Isabella Czarnocki is a 19-year-old model and third-year Interior Architecture student at UTS, driven by a passion for both fashion and design. Modeling from a young age, she’s worked with leading brands and proudly walked in the 2013 Mercedes Benz Fashion Show alongside Olympian Eamon Sullivan and former Miss Universe Rachael Finch.
Equally passionate about interiors, Isabella blends creativity with a love for thoughtful, functional spaces. Born in Sydney, she’s strongly connected to her Polish roots - speaking the language fluently and completing it for her HSC.
Isabella credits her mum as her biggest inspiration, having been raised by her as a single parent. In her free time, she enjoys beach days, travel, and time with their dog. She hopes to use her platform to promote self-love and wellbeing, especially for young women balancing the demands of social media. For her, confidence is built, not born - and when you love yourself, that energy inspires everyone around you.
ISABELLE CHAN
At 21 years old, Isabelle works in the mental health industry, assisting clients in accessing their superannuation for treatment and supporting them in finding suitable rehabilitation clinics. Her role has given her a deep understanding of the power of perspective and the importance of genuine connection, especially during some of life’s most vulnerable moments - fuelling her passion for mental health advocacy across all stages of life.
Outside of her professional work, she runs “Dokota Equine”, where she coaches and trains riders and their horses, focusing on building strong, goal-oriented partnerships. She is also studying to become a qualified equine photonic therapist, driven by a belief in holistic approaches and a desire to integrate them into her equine practice.
Being part of the Miss Universe Australia program is an experience she holds close to her heart as she hopes to use this platform to lead by example, empowering young women to recognise their potential and embrace discomfort as a path to growth - because, in her words, “what you’re not changing, you’re choosing.”
IVY PREMPEH
Ivy is a 24-year-old model, marketing coordinator, and founder of her own sports media company, where she shines a spotlight on athletes and the power of living a faith-centred life.
With Ghanaian and Scottish heritage, Ivy is passionate about bridging cultural divides and using her voice to champion diversity and representation. She believes that when people feel seen, they’re empowered to step into their full potential.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Ivy leads with love, light, and authenticity in every space she enters. Her journey with Miss Universe Australia is a personal mission - to challenge herself, grow in confidence, and boldly walk in the purpose she believes God has set before her.
JADE PORTOGALLO
21 year-old Melbourne based fashion stylist, Jade Portogallo, has a lifelong passion for fashion, and feels incredibly grateful to have transformed her creative love into a fulfilling career in the styling industry.
One of her greatest personal aspirations is to continue growing into the most confident and empowered version of herself. Through the Miss Universe Australia platform, she hopes to inspire other young women to embrace their individuality, believe in their worth, and pursue their goals with purpose.
Jade is excited for the journey ahead and all the opportunities it brings to make a positive impact - both on and off the stage.
JADE RICHARDSON
Jade Richardson, born and raised in Perth, is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Western Australia, majoring in Marketing. Her interest in marketing grew from behind-the-scenes experiences on shoots, where she got a taste of the industry.
Jade stays busy as a retail styling assistant and a model with Chadwick Models. She enjoys the beach, quality time with friends and family, the glorious pairing of a steak and Cabernet Sauvignon. Signing with a modelling agency at just 16, Jade was heavily influenced by industry pressures. This shaped her passion for promoting positive body image and fostering a healthy relationship with food and exercise.
She joined the Miss Universe Australia program to step outside her comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally and is eager to see the woman she’ll become through the experience.
JESSICA KERNJAK
Growing up on a farm in country Victoria, Jessica developed a deep love for animals from a young age. This passion led her to complete a Bachelor in Veterinary and Wildlife Science, combining her love for nature with a solid academic foundation. Now working in modeling and acting, she is constantly seeking her next big adventure.
At 25, Jessica describes herself as a spontaneous yet creative country girl navigating the modeling and acting industry, as she is currently writing a short film and is eager to explore further opportunities within the industry.
Through her involvement with Miss Universe Australia, Jessica hopes to raise awareness about supporting neurodivergent children in their learning, particularly with the help of service animals - an area she believes requires more research and funding. Driven by purpose yet grounded in her roots, Jessica is passionate about using her platform to create meaningful change.
JORDYN DICKER
Jordyn Dicker, 22, grew up in Western Sydney with two sisters and two nephews. She aspires to live a life she can look back on with pride, seeking success in her career, world travel, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.
Jordyn is inspired by the strong, independent women in her family - her grandmothers, mother, and sisters - who motivate her daily.
Jordyn is passionate about two career paths. For the past three years, she has worked in fraud at one of Australia’s largest banks, gaining invaluable experience and understanding the significant impact one role can have on both a company and individuals. Alongside this, modeling has always been a dream of hers. After reflecting on her life, she decided to pursue it at the end of last year, which ultimately led her to Miss Universe Australia.
KAI HOARE
Kai, 20, was born in South Africa but raised in Brisbane, Queensland. With a passion for the creative industry, she works as a model and content creator, hoping to continue on this path while traveling the world. One of her long-term goals is to open a business that empowers women and helps them feel confident every day, whether through fashion, swimwear, or health and wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys being by the ocean, practicing Pilates, and exploring new places.
Joining the Miss Universe Australia program, she aims to challenge herself, step outside her comfort zone, and grow as an individual. She believes the program is the perfect opportunity to build confidence, make lifelong memories, connect with like-minded women, and push herself to become the best version of herself. The quote “Everything in time” is something she holds dear, reminding herself that dreams can come true with hard work and determination.
KRISTINA STOJANOVSKI
Kristina, a 24-year-old fashion designer, is passionate about empowering women through style. She co-manages the online activewear brand INTUS, focusing on designing pieces that inspire confidence and strength. Kristina believes clothing is a powerful expression of identity and aims to create designs that help women feel strong and empowered. A long-term dream of hers is to launch a resort wear label, combining her love for design with the beach and holiday lifestyle.
In addition to her design career, Kristina models part-time and hopes to pursue it full-time. She’s an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her pets, staying active, and practicing Pilates for both physical and mental benefits. In her downtime, she loves drawing and painting expressive face portraits.
Kristina is also passionate about raising awareness for scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce excess collagen, her father is battling. She uses her platform to highlight the crucial importance of what we put into our bodies, and encourages others to fuel themselves with healthy choices.
KYMBERLEE STREET
Kymberlee is a finance and accounting graduate, model, mentor, and the founder of Defence Skincare and Model Street. She finds joy in the little things, whether it's going on foodie adventures, exploring nature, or traveling to new places. Kymberlee approaches life with a positive and open mindset.
One of her proudest moments was hosting her first in-person modeling workshop, where she had the opportunity to connect with and support emerging talent in a meaningful way. She is passionate about helping aspiring models build confidence, set boundaries, and enter the industry feeling prepared and protected. Kymberlee also recently launched the podcast "Models Off Duty", which offers real conversations about life, business, growth, and the secrets behind the spotlight.
Workplace protection is an issue Kymberlee deeply cares about, advocating for safer and more respectful environments across all industries. She believes everyone deserves to feel secure, valued, and heard in their professional space.
LEXIE BRANT
Lexie is a 21-year-old from Brisbane with a passion for empowering children to grow into the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves. Currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, her dream is to open a vibrant, multi-disciplinary paediatric clinic that brings together allied health professionals to create a playful, supportive space where every child feels seen, safe and celebrated. Outside of her studies, Lexie works at Brisbane Private Hospital and models professionally, specialising in beauty, swimwear and makeup content. After travelling the world at 19, she fell in love with the coastal lifestyle, and the beach remains her sanctuary to slow down, reflect and recharge.
Inspired by her mother, whose unwavering love and strength have shaped the woman she is today, she aspires to carry forward her mother’s legacy of resilience, kindness, and authenticity. Using this platform, Lexie hopes to advocate for the importance of early childhood development, while also highlighting that true beauty lies in how we show kindness, express gratitude, and uplift those around us.
LOCHIE BARNETT
Lochie is a 26 year old, who grew up on a small island in New Zealand, a place surrounded by stunning beaches and expansive vineyards.
The outdoors has always played a central role in her life, with the ocean holding a particularly special place in her heart. It’s in the water that she feels most at peace and truly connected. Her greatest aspiration is to find complete contentment and inner peace, and she feels incredibly fortunate to be well on her way to achieving that sense of fulfilment.
MOLLIE WHITE
At 22 years old, Mollie is a content creator with a passion for creativity and self-expression. From a young age, she found joy in bringing ideas to life through choreography, fashion design, and video production. Although initially uncertain about her career path, her creative drive naturally led her to social media, where she now works full-time.
Athletics have always played a significant role in her life. She competed nationally in acrobatic gymnastics for eight years and was honored to be named WA Acrobats of the Year with her trio. After stepping away from gymnastics, she discovered a new love for the gym and golf, both of which have become central themes in the content she shares online.
Her mission is to inspire other women to embrace their true selves and recognise the beauty in authenticity. In a world where social media often acts as a highlight reel, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Having learned the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, she hopes to encourage others to to feel empowered in their own skin.
NASIA DELIS
Nasia Delis is a 26-year-old Melbourne-based singer/songwriter, actor, model, and creative. Classically trained in opera, she has also released several pop singles. Nasia channels her passion for performance and storytelling into work that deeply resonates with others, using her voice to advocate for mental health and inspire authenticity.
Known for her compassion and drive to make a positive impact, she is dedicated to supporting children in need through her platform. Living by the motto, "Be yourself and you’ll always prevail," Nasia strives to empower others to embrace their true selves and pursue their full potential with courage.
NEHA PRASAD
At 16, Neha entered youth politics, where her confidence and voice were praised despite differing views. This experience taught her that fear drives confidence, and she realised she could step into new, unfamiliar spaces. While Miss Universe Australia seemed out of reach, it became a platform for her to redefine beauty as education, empathy, and confidence.
As a law student and podcast founder, she aims to advocate for justice, kindness, and empathy, believing that one’s past doesn’t define their future. Her parents, especially her father, who taught her strength through heart and integrity, are her greatest inspirations.
She is passionate about sexual assault awareness and turning vulnerability into empowerment, both in Australia and globally. While not from a modelling background, she strives to be a voice for values beyond physical appearance - a story of resilience shaped by her experiences.
