Miss World pageant heading back to GC
THE Miss World Australia pageant will return to the Gold Coast next year following a rousing crowning ceremony last night.
Having swiped the event from Melbourne this year, the glitz and glamour of one of the world’s longest running beauty pageants descended on Palazzo Versace last night for the first Queensland national final.
National director Deborah Miller, who bid to switch locations, said they would return to the Gold Coast in 2019.
“The reception was unprecedented,” said Ms Miller.
The 30 national finalists – including 10 Queenslanders – attended the gala event along with past winners Esma Voloder, Courtney Thorpe and Tess Alexander and VIP judges Ashy Bines, Brooke Hansen and Richard Reid.
The three-day national final began on Wednesday and included, for the first time, a trip to Movie World and a sports challenge with players from the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday.
The 30 finalists collectively raised more than $300,000 for partner charities Variety and the Charlie Teo Foundation.
The 2018 winner will attend the international Miss World pageant in China in December.
Queensland held the title for four consecutive years – through winners Erin Holland, Thorpe, Tess Alexander and Madeline Cowe – before Victorian Voloder won last year.
Alexander, who was wearing a gown by local label White Label Noba straight off the runway of this week’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, said the winner should not take the moment for granted.
“Surreal is the only way to describe it. Learn from every experience and ride the crazy wave you’re embarking on,” she said. “Be so proud and excited to be representing Australia and our culture on the international stage.”