The excitement is palpable as the road to Miss Earth Australia 2023 officially begins. This year’s finalists gathered from all corners of the country, each with unique stories and dreams of wearing the coveted crown. I spent a day with these remarkable women, capturing their grace and determination alongside the talented photographer, Dave Choo.

The journey commenced with the Candidate Orientation, where the finalists were welcomed with open arms. It was a moment of anticipation and camaraderie as they embarked on this empowering adventure together. As they say, the first step is often the most memorable, and this was no exception.

Next up was a session that added a touch of glamour to the day – the Glam shot photoshoot. Against a backdrop of shimmering lights and cascading gowns, the finalists radiated confidence and poise. Each click of the camera lens captured their inner beauty and elegance, setting the stage for the competition ahead.

But a Miss Earth Australia journey wouldn’t be complete without a swimwear photoshoot. Thanks to Styelle Swim, the finalists showcased their vitality and strength in stylish swimsuits. Their vibrant personalities shone through as they posed by the pool, embodying the essence of beauty and nature.

The day continued with an outdoor shoot, courtesy of LARi.Active wear. Amidst the natural beauty of the Australian landscape, the finalists demonstrated their connection to the environment. The shoot was a poignant reminder of the competition’s mission – to raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for positive change.

The finalists gathered for the Miss Earth Australia Welcome Dinner and Crown Reveal as the sun dipped below the horizon. The Kowboy Bar & Grill at Hurstville, NSW, provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening. The menu was a testament to culinary excellence, featuring delightful dishes that included scrumptious spring rolls, Pancit Palabok, flavorful Pork Sinigang, aromatic Kare Kare, and many more delectable treats. The dinner was a moment of celebration, a time for the finalists to relax, bond, and savor the flavors of diversity.

As the night drew to a close, anticipation filled the air. The journey had just begun, and the path to the crown would be challenging, but these finalists were ready to embrace every moment. With dedication, grace, and a commitment to environmental advocacy, they were set to make a mark in the upcoming competition.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the journey of these inspiring women, leading up to the grand finale where one of them will be crowned Miss Earth Australia 2023.

“Roll out the red carpet,” they said. “It will be a night to remember,” they said. And let me tell you, dear readers, they were absolutely right! As the Managing Director of StarCentral Magazine and the main organiser behind StarCentral Media Group’s 18th Anniversary Bash and TV6 Launch Party, I must confess, I’ve never seen so much glitz and glam in one room, not even on my Netflix watchlist!

Hold on to your tiaras and monocles, folks, because I’m about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through a night that could’ve given the Oscars a run for their money (well, at least if the Oscars came with Rolls Royces and a healthy dose of humour).

Picture this: the iconic Curzon Hall illuminated by the stars above and the glittering aura of George Bastolli’s Royalle Models alongside four stunning Rolls Royce parked at the entrance. I mean, who needs a red carpet when you can strut your stuff on the hoods of these exquisite vehicles, courtesy of The Vintage Chauffeur? If I had a dollar for every jaw that dropped that night, I’d probably have enough to buy one of those Rolls Royces myself!

But enough about my secret fantasies of cruising in a Rolls Royce – let’s talk about StarCentral Magazine’s journey. From its humble beginnings in 2005 to its current status as one of the most prominent publications down under that caters to emerging stars (yes, we’ve got more titles than a Game of Thrones novel): InLife International for the career man/woman, Sassy & Co Magazine for the fashionistas, Model & Mode for the runway models, MoneyCentral for the entrepreneurs, FilmCentral for the movie buffs, StarCentral Kids for the future superstars, and The Global Millionaire for the wealth-building aficionados – we’ve got it all. Who knew printing words on paper could be so much fun?

Now, back to the main event. The night kicked off with a bang as GEM Models from Global Elite Media Group sashayed down the runway in Cultural Fusion attire, proving that fashion truly has no borders. I’m telling you, watching models strut their stuff in garments that could double as a world map was both enlightening and entertaining – it’s basically geography class meets America’s Next Top Model.

And just when you thought the excitement couldn’t be topped, in walks Maryrose Salubre, our International Global Youth Ambassador for Human Rights. If there’s one thing this lady knows how to do, it’s steal the spotlight (and our hearts, for that matter).

Oh, did I mention that the models then returned, this time dressed to the nines in Hollywood Glam attire? Trust me, it was like watching an Oscars after-party, minus the awkward acceptance speeches.

My turn to shine finally arrived, and I took the stage with the grace of a swan… if that swan had just chugged a can of Red Bull. As I regaled the audience with the tale of how StarCentral Magazine came to be, I mustered all the charm and charisma of a late-night infomercial host. Shoutout to our partners and sponsors especially Mark Coronel of Cubecorp – you’re the real MVPs of the night, and I’m not just saying that because you sponsored the open bar.

Now, the moment we’d all been waiting for: the Cover Model Quest finalists strutting their stuff on the runway. Let’s just say these finalists could give a peacock a run for its money – and that’s not an easy feat.

And then, ladies and gentlemen, drumroll, please – the Cover Model Quest winners Paige Tonkin, Akmal Omid, and Jadila Namrawi took the stage. They glowed like stars, and trust me, I felt like their proud fairy godparent, minus the glitter wand.

But wait, there’s more! The TV6 launch was up next, with Jojo Sebastian and Maryrose Salubre taking the stage to explain what TV6 was all about. Spoiler alert: it’s not a secret code for an underground dance party; it’s your new source of binge-worthy content.

Then came the pièce de résistance – catwalk presentations by the enchanting Stargazer models and queens. I’d never seen a catwalk that fierce since my neighbor’s cat confidently strutted across the fence, but that’s a story for another day.

Finally, George Bastolli and the Royalle Modelling team graced us with their runway walk, a sight so spectacular that even the Rolls Royce looked like mere accessories in their presence. As a token of their appreciation, they gave me a gift – no, it wasn’t a Rolls Royce, unfortunately.

And there you have it, folks! It was a night filled with fashion, flair, and a touch of my awkward yet endearing charm. StarCentral Magazine’s 18th Anniversary Bash and TV6 Launch Party was a night to remember, a whirlwind of glamour and wit that left us all wishing for an encore. Until next time, my fellow glam enthusiasts, stay fabulous, stay witty, and remember – life is one big catwalk, so strut your stuff!