Beauty ready to rule galaxy

Former Busselton resident Elise Nazzari will go up against women from across Australia next month, all vying for the title of Miss Galaxy Australia.

It will be the 21-year-old’s second time at the national competition after she was named a finalist at the Miss Galaxy WA competition earlier this year.

Miss Nazzari said she felt confident about the upcoming competition.

“I feel more organised this year and confident,” she said.

“It was my first pageant last year and I was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect — this year I feel more prepared and ready to take on my competition.”

Pageant contestants are expected to compete in an evening wear category, swimwear and fashion, and complete a series of interviews.

Miss Nazzari said she had recently returned from a trip to the US, where she had undergone coaching for the interview process.

“The interview is probably the most important part of the competition and something I wanted to do really well in, so while I was in the US, I trained with a coach who has trained with girls from Miss USA,” she said.

“Last year, I was really under-prepared and this year I have put a lot of effort in and I know why I am there and why I want to win.”

The criminology research assistant said she was hoping the competition would help open up opportunities for her career.

“I want to further my academic career internationally and if I win, I would love to network with people in the US,” she said.

“My dream job would be to work in criminology and human rights for the United Nations in New York.”

Miss Nazzari encouraged other young women who were interested in the competition to get involved.

“It’s changed my life in every way, especially in terms of confidence, and taught me the value of speaking up and sharing my opinion,” she said.