Emma Healy (Redeemer Class of 2013) is in the running to be crowned Miss World Australia at the national finals, coming up soon on 29 April!
Since first applying for Miss World Australia in 2019 along with hundreds of applicants from around the country, Emma has participated in interviews, preliminary and state rounds to become one of 25 national finalists who will gather at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast for the finals event. Throughout this week-long finals event, contestants are scored in a number of areas including talent, fitness and charity. Gone are the days when Miss World contestants were required to participate in a swimsuit competition - this was replaced with a fitness challenge that even involves a Ninja Warrior course!
We touched base with Emma to her about her journey.
So, why did you decide to throw your hat into the ring for Miss World Australia?
"It was actually less of a ‘why’ and more of a ‘why not’! Ultimately – past the sparkly dresses – Miss World is about affecting tangible change on the world. Connecting those who can help with those who need help, and using the Miss World platform to give them a louder voice. And who wouldn’t want to make the world a better place? Why not be the change you want to see?
At the end of the day: I want to build a positive, healthy and inclusive environment – whether that be on a national scale through Miss World Australia, within my work, or even my personal life at home. I know it sounds corny, but I love making the world a brighter place."
As part of your journey, you have been fundraising for Variety – The Children’s Charity, can you tell us a little bit about the charity and what led you to work with them? How can others help?
"The most important part of Miss World – globally, not just Australia – is the Beauty with a Purpose Program. This program was founded by Miss World over 35 years ago, and to date has raised over one billion dollars for charity worldwide. All Miss World contestants participate, and fundraise for Variety, the Children’s Charity – an organisation that aims to improve the lives of sick, disadvantaged and disabled children across Australia. I couldn’t be prouder of supporting such a worthy cause.
I’m so fortunate to have hosted a myriad of fundraising events around the pandemic, including a garage sale, multiple raffles, a Galentines Day brunch, a Bunnings sausage sizzle, birthday fundraisers and more – and have raised just over $5000 to date.
I’ve also tried to spend as much time as I can volunteering – the photo below shows me with Lacey-May, a beautiful young girl with a severe chromosomal disorder. I was fortunate enough to spend the day with Lacey-May and her family, building a trampoline to assist with her physical therapy. It’s my favourite thing about Variety the Children’s Charity – actually seeing where my fundraising has made a tangible difference on someone’s life."
What’s next? How do we follow your story and progress?
"I’m glad you asked! The more people that know about Variety – The Children’s Charity, the greater the impact, and I know firsthand that every donation can change a child’s life.
My fundraising page can be found here and, as mentioned above, I’m hoping to raise at least $5,000 by 24 April. Every donation is tax deductible!
I’ve also been sharing my journey and milestones on my Instagram Page (@emmajanehealy) – including the most recent Miss World Australia x Variety QLD Top Fundraiser Appreciation night (pictured), where I was able to meet several of the families Variety supports."
If you would like to support Emma and Variety Children's Charity, you can donate here.
All the best for the finals, Emma!
You can read more about Emma's journey here: https://starcentralmagazine.co...
