World at their feet

MISS World Australia will begin its 2018 competition today in Geelong.

Reigning titleholder Esma Voloder will be here to host the first heat for the event.

Geelong has had previous success at the national level of Miss World Australia, with Highton’s Alex Hecker finishing runner-up in 2014.

The next generation of local contestants will include Geelong’s Ali Simpson (below), who will swap the dance floor for the catwalk today.

Ms Simpson is part of an elite athletic program for dance, and is ranked 10th in the country in the adult open Latin division.

She has won three dance sport titles across national and international arenas.

After being involved with a refugee holiday program, Ms Simpson wants to use the Miss World Australia event to share her passion for volunteer work and to shine a spotlight on the benefits of helping others.

She will be among 25 contestants competing for a place in the Victorian final, to be held in June next year.

The theme of today’s runway show at Market Square Shopping Centre is spring racing fashion.

The show will start at 2pm, with five finalists announced at 4pm.

The crowned Miss World Australia 2018 will be an ambassador for Ozwear Ugg and retail giant Novo Shoes.

All Miss World contestants fundraise for Variety, with more than $160,000 raised last year.