We sat down with Miss Grand International Claire Parker and found out what makes her tick

      First off congratulations gaining the title of Miss Grand International, tell us more about the role actually involves

Thank you so much! Well, the advocacy of Miss Grand International is 'Stop the War and Violence', so my role basically is to promote peace and tolerance worldwide, to spread awareness of the effects of wars and violent behaviour and to provide aid and support to the people who have been affected by such situations. I will be doing a lot of international travel in the next 6 months to carry out these kind of humanitarian activities where possible but also will be able to attend lots of events and conferences, continue my work as a model, and I also get to travel and crown other queens which is awesome! I have two trips coming up in June, one to crown Miss World Vietnam and the other to crown Miss Grand China! 

       What made you want to become a part of such a great cause 

 I've been competing in beauty pageants for a number of years previous but I was particularly drawn to Miss Grand because it has such a relevant advocacy at this time, given all the political unrest and fighting that is happening in the world. I find a lot of other pageants will put their face to a cause but not actually actively go out and do anything to support it, where being Miss Grand it is a very hands on role and I love the fact that I really get to make a difference.

      What would you like to focus on after you have finished your officials duties 

 My lifelong dream (other than saving the world) has always been to be an actress and I did actually study acting at a tertiary level, however life has been leading me down a slightly different path the last few years with my modelling and beauty pageants career really taking off. I am hoping that once my duties are finished at the end of this year I can really dedicate more of my time and effort towards building a career as an actress!

     Where would you like to be in the next ten years 

 I have a lot of ambitions and goals I'd like to achieve in the next ten years, I'd love to own properties in major cities around the world, I really would love to open my own cat shelter for rescue cats, I'd like to be in a position where I can chase the summer all year round because I HATE winter, I'd hope that I have built a successful acting career, there's so many things I'd love to be doing by then but I guess you just never know where life will lead you. 2 months ago I had no idea I was even going to be crowned as Miss Grand International so I guess we will wait and see!! Hopefully wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, I'm happy, healthy and surrounded by the people (and cats) I love.

      What are 3 things that people don’t know about you

1. I don't eat fruit. People think that's really weird, I eat everything else don't worry, but I don't eat fruits!

2. I used to be ambi dextrous as a child (I could write perfectly with both hands), but now I'm super out of practice and can only write with my right hand.

3. I wanted to be Australia's first female Prime Minister, until Julia Gillard beat me to it.

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Q&A with our Miss Universe Australia contestants

We are so excited to have three of our beautiful girls heading to the national finals for Miss Universe Australia!

Before they head to the event in Melbourne on Friday, we asked them a few questions to learn what it takes to be a Miss Universe Australia Finalist... 

CLAIRE PARKER

What are you most looking forward to on Friday?

Getting to eat so much food afterwards haha! I also am very excited to see everyone's beautiful evening gowns; I have a background in fashion design so I get very excited by gorgeous dresses!

How have you been maintaining your health & fitness in the led up to the competition?

For me it's really important to do some kind of physical activity every day, not just for the physical benefits but mental as well. It always helps me keep more focused and motivated. I've been training 3 times a week doing F45 workouts and going for walks on the days in between. It's also really important to nourish your body to keep at your best and energized, so I've been making sure to get enough sleep and eat well too. 

What is your “cannot live without” beauty product?

 COCONUT OIL! I know everyone's raving about it at the moment but it's definitely worth all the hype, I use it for everything, body and face moisturiser, hair treatment, even as a mouth wash, it's really good for oral hygiene!

Do you have a secret regime to maintain your flawless skin?

It's no secret! I am an absolute devotee to the Elucent skincare whitening range, it helps replenish your younger, fresher skin cells faster so your skin always looks bright and glowing!

Who is your celebrity crush & why?

Oh my goodness, ZAC EFRON! Do I even need to answer why? Haha!

MONIKA RADULOVIC

What are you most looking forward to on Friday?

The whole experience has been such a positive one and I'm just excited to see the whole process unfold on Friday! 

How have you been maintaining your health & fitness in the led up to the competition?

My fitness regime is a lot like my mantra in life- Everything in moderation. I do Pilates 3 times a week which keeps me feeling strong, and I try to go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week to get some cardio and weights training in. However, I always listen to my body- so if I'm feeling too tired, I let myself rest, because that’s just as important.

What is your “cannot live without” beauty product?

Coconut oil! I cook with it, use it as a hair conditioner, face and body moisturiser, make-up remover.. There’s nothing it can’t do!

Do you have a secret regime to maintain your flawless skin?

First and foremost, I make sure I cleanse my skin every night to remove my make up from jobs. I also make sure I drink plenty of water and once again- coconut oil! I use it every night before bed and it makes my skin so soft and glow.

Who is your celebrity crush & why?

Hugh Jackman when he was in his late 20s. Do I need to explain?! 

RUBY SCHOFIELD

What are you most looking forward to on Friday?

 I'm just so excited! Can't wait to see everyone shine! Hopefully I will not trip in my amazing Valani gown either.

How have you been maintaining your health & fitness in the lead up to the competition?

 I've been maintaining my health by Training with my trainer theBondiPT- David Ghezelbash. I also eat lots of greens vegetables and fish!

What is your “cannot live without” beauty product?

 I am obsessed with anything by OleHenriksen particularly their "Pure Truth" melting cleanser! It is so basic, I find that using less is more so I'll usually just wash my face with water and add some coconut oil afterwards! That stuffs amazing! Add it to your nails, hair, skin, relationship and bank account! 

 Do you have a secret regime to maintain your flawless skin?

  Just use friendly natural products on your skin as it is our biggest organ!  I drink heaps of water and sleep so much (too much) and ALWAYS wash of your make up! There is no excuse for neglecting your health.

Who is your celebrity crush & why?
TOM BRADY & I really need to say why? Gisele is one lucky girl!