REMEMBER WHEN

A BORROWED 10-year-old dress and a laid-back Aussie attitude swept the Gold Coast’s very own model Jennifer Hawkins to victory in the 2004 Miss Universe competition.

The then-20-year-old Bondi-based model and Newcastle Knights NRL team cheerleader was the first Australian to win the coveted title since Perth’s Kerry Ann Wells was crowned in 1972.

Miss Hawkins, who wore a Brisbane-made beaded gold brocade dress for the crowning ceremony in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, was widely tipped to finish on top.

She beat 79 entrants and 14 semi-finalists, including first runner-up Miss US Shandi Finnessey, to win the title.

Miss Hawkins learned her trade in the Miss Indy pageants on the Gold Coast, in which she finished second runner-up in 2002.

“This is very new to me and I’m very excited,’’ said the blonde, blue-eyed winner after being adorned with the opulent diamond Miss Universe crown.

Back home in Australia, her mother Gail said she was in shock at her daughter’s victory.

”I can’t believe it, I just cannot believe it,” Mrs Hawkins said from her Newcastle home.

”I just wish I was there to give her a big cuddle. I don’t know how I feel. I wonder if it has sunk in with her yet. I don’t think she realises the attention she has received here.

“Our contact has been limited. I have a list of things I want to ask her. I can’t wait to see her and talk about it.’’