Sydney’s Laura Dundovic, has been named Miss Universe Australia, rising above 28 other finalists from across Australia who were hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins.
The 21-year-old psychology student strutted her stuff in evening wear and skimpi bikinis in front of judges such as Kostya Zu, at a crowning ceremony in Toorak, Victoria last night.
"I was shocked, to be honest. There were so many amazing girls this year," she told the Seven Network this morning.
She said Hawkins, who was Miss Universe four years ago and parlayed that into a successful modelling and television career, had been an inspiration.
"I think before beauty pageants used to cop a lot of flak, but Jennifer Hawkins has done so much for it," she said.
"Miss Universe Australia now is just amazing and we have her to thank for that. Probably because she did so well. That encouraged me.
"If I could have anything like she did, I'd be over the moon."
The girls were asked a series of questions on how they would improve Australia.
Nerves clearly took over for some with one contestant saying we could help the homeless by getting them to use helplines.
When asked how she would help the environment, Dundovic cheekily replied, " I would use less hairspray."
Dundovic says it took some convincing for her to try out, and credited her win to her supportive family and boyfriend.
Dundovic will represent Australia in the international final in Vietnam in July, which is sponsored by celebrity businessman Donald Trump.