In a bold and refreshing move, two trailblazing women are reshaping the Miss Universe Australia competition to reflect the modern spirit of Australia. Their mission? To break outdated beauty stereotypes and create a platform where authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose shine brighter than pageant crowns.

Let’s dive into how these two dynamic women—Troy Barbagallo and Sophia Barbagallo—are leading a powerful transformation of one of the country’s most iconic beauty contests.

A New Era for Miss Universe Australia

For decades, Miss Universe Australia was known for its glitter, glamour, and gowns. While the event celebrated physical beauty and pageantry, it often fell short of showcasing the full spectrum of what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world.

Enter Troy and Sophia Barbagallo—partners in both business and life—who saw a gap between tradition and the evolving values of Australian society. In 2016, the couple took over the license for the competition and began transforming it from a beauty contest into a personal development journey.

What’s Changing in Miss Universe Australia?

1. Redefining Beauty Standards

Gone are the days when participants were judged solely on their looks. Today’s Miss Universe Australia is more about brains, bravery, and beliefs than just bikini walks. The competition now values diverse body types, cultural backgrounds, and individual stories.

Participants are encouraged to speak on issues they care about—whether it’s mental health, climate change, or gender equality.

💬 “It’s not about being the prettiest in the room; it’s about being the most purpose-driven,” says Troy Barbagallo.

2. Inclusivity Takes Centre Stage

The Barbagallos are actively challenging the rigid standards of the past. By opening the door to women of all ethnicities, sizes, and backgrounds, they are sending a clear message: beauty is not one-size-fits-all.

In 2023, the competition welcomed Maria Thattil, a proud Indian-Australian and vocal LGBTQIA+ advocate, as a judge and mentor. Maria herself made history as one of the shortest contestants to ever place in the Top 10 at Miss Universe Global.

How They’re Rebuilding the Miss Universe Australia Experience (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a breakdown of the key ways the Barbagallos are reshaping the pageant:

Step 1: Revamping the Recruitment Process

Before, scouting was heavily focused on traditional “model-type” women. Today, the team uses social media, community outreach, and open calls to discover diverse and passionate women across Australia.

Step 2: Emphasising Advocacy and Purpose

Each contestant is encouraged to develop a “Purpose Project”—a campaign or initiative that addresses a cause close to their heart. These projects are presented during the judging process and weighed equally with other elements.

For example, 2022 finalist Monique Riley used her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence in rural communities—a powerful shift from simply walking in heels to walking the walk.

Step 3: Rethinking Runway Expectations

Swimwear rounds and evening gown segments have been reimagined. Instead of scoring on physical appearance alone, judges now consider confidence, presence, and message.

This change was well-received by both audiences and contestants, with many saying they feel less pressure to conform and more freedom to be themselves.

Step 4: Focusing on Personal Development

Workshops in public speaking, mental health, networking, and leadership are now standard in the competition program. As Sophia puts it:

“We want every girl who walks through this experience to leave stronger than when she arrived.”

You can learn more about these workshops on the official Miss Universe Australia website.

Success Stories from the New Generation

Several recent contestants embody the Barbagallos’ vision. One notable example is Daria Varlamova, crowned Miss Universe Australia 2021. She used her spotlight to address mental health among young Australians and now works as a public speaker and wellness advocate.

Another inspiring figure is Sariah Paki, a proud First Nations woman and rising voice in the pageant space. Her presence underscores the competition’s growing recognition of Indigenous representation.

🇦🇺 Why This Matters for Australian Women

Australia is a multicultural, multi-dimensional country. Yet for years, mainstream beauty contests did not reflect that. With this reboot, the Miss Universe Australia pageant is finally becoming a platform where real Australian stories are heard.

The new format not only uplifts individuals—it’s a blueprint for how institutions can modernise without losing their identity.

What Can Other Organisations Learn?

The Barbagallos’ approach offers a lesson for other traditional Australian platforms:

• Listen to the next generation: Today’s youth care deeply about inclusivity, mental wellness, and impactful work.
• Prioritise values over vanity: When platforms evolve from showing off to showing up, people engage more meaningfully.
• Be brave enough to change: Evolution doesn’t mean abandoning roots; it means allowing them to grow in new directions.

The Future of Miss Universe Australia

So, what’s next?

The Barbagallos are now looking to introduce more digital elements, live mentorship programs, and even a reality-style docu-series to follow the contestants’ journeys. The goal is to take the entire Miss Universe Australia experience from a one-night event to a year-long platform for empowerment.

And as they continue to reinvent the competition, they’re also giving young women across Australia something even more valuable than a crown—a voice.

Final Thoughts

What Troy and Sophia Barbagallo have done is more than just a makeover of a beauty pageant. They’ve launched a cultural shift—redefining what it means to be confident, powerful, and proud in today’s Australia.

If you’re someone passionate about women’s empowerment, diversity in media, or social change, keep your eyes on the new Miss Universe Australia. It’s not just a competition anymore; it’s a movement.