Taking centre stage

Miss Galaxy Australia national finalist Nicole Missios. (Damjan Janevski) 377875_01

Hillside’s Nicole Missios has been propelled into the national spotlight as a finalist for the coveted title of Miss Galaxy Australia.

With her eyes set on the crown, the 22-year-old is gearing up for the national finals set to unfold in Sydney early May.

Ms Missios journey began when she stumbled upon the opportunity on her Instagram feed, and decided to take a leap and apply for the pageant in 2022. To her surprise, she not only secured a spot but also found a community of friends, turning her into a returning contender for the third consecutive year.

“I love being able to build up my confidence, meet new people, and be the best version of myself. Each time I return, I find new ways to grow and improve,” she said.

The competition covers five sections including, photogenic, interview, swimwear, evening gown and fashionwear. Throughout the week-long event, contestants engage in a whirlwind of activities, including photoshoots, workshops, public appearances, and charity fundraising.

Behind the scenes, Ms Missios dedicates herself to rigorous daily practice alongside her pageant coach. Together, they fine-tune routines, conduct interview simulations and meticulously curate her image for the week, ensuring every outfit and presentation reflects the most extraordinary version of herself.

“The biggest challenge is the length of the week. You don’t realise how much you’ve accomplished by the second and third day. It’s always important to keep pushing through, and remind yourself why you’re there and how much it involves, and being proud of yourself,” Nicole said.

“I’m looking forward to going back, meeting new people, and reuniting with old friends.”

Hannah Hammoud