The organization of Miss Universe Australia hosted the 17th edition of the pageant on 19th October at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where stunning delegates from all across the country competed for the national crown and the opportunity to represent Australia at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. Victoria’s Daria Varlamova was crowned as the new queen at the end of the ceremony as she succeeded Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil for the title.

Miss Universe Australia 2021 Daria Varlamova’s court includes –

First runner-up: Mia Brooks from New South Wales

Second runner-up: Jasmine Stringer from Queensland

Third runner-up: Ally Draper from Western Australia

Fourth runner-up: Tiana Meehan from New South Wales

Russian-born, Western Australia-bred and Melbourne-based Daria is 26 years-old and works at a university as a student advisor and is currently working towards her Master of Counselling to become a psychotherapist and work in the mental health space. She also facilitates workshops for young girls, discussing topics such as mental wellness, friendships and gratitude.

Amid the new coronavirus pandemic, she was named one of Yahoo Finance’s Top 21 Health and Wellness Influencers for 2021. From March 2021 to May 2021, she volunteered at Beautiful Minds Australia by facilitating and presenting mental wellness workshops for young girls aged 7-12.

Hailing from Victoria, Daria is not new to pageantry as she was a part of the national pageant last year and was adjudged as the fourth runner-up. The queen had to join the entire competition from home as her state had been in complete lockdown since August. All interviews, question rounds, preliminary rounds and the crowning moment was done virtually.

After winning the title, the diva took to her social media to share, “My first day as the new Miss Universe Australia and it hasn’t quite sunk in! I am incredibly grateful for this platform and what lies ahead. I am also immensely proud of each and every woman that has been a part of this beautiful journey with me. I thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I hope to make you all proud!”

The passing queen, Maria Thattil also shared a warm message for the new queen as she wrote, “Australia and Universe … meet your new Miss Universe Australia for 2021. I’ve said this to every woman in the program, it’s every woman’s journey but one woman’s destiny. Her time is now. Like every Finalist, this woman deserves it. Her heart is empathetic, kind and compassionate. She is purpose driven and committed to her message. And overall, a beautiful representative for our country. I can’t wait to watch all that you do.”

Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil’s position among the Top 10 at Miss Universe 2020 has definitely made the country proud. For this year’s edition, Daria Varlamova will represent Australia at the 70th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in December in Israel.

Congratulations queen!