As the representative of StarCentral Magazine, I had the privilege of attending the Miss Earth Australia 2024 coronation night, and it’s an event I won’t soon forget. Held at the Bryan Brown Theatre, the night was filled with glamour, excitement, and a strong message of environmental advocacy.
I started the evening by going behind the scenes, where I interviewed the talented finalists: Jessica Lane, Claudia Kuper, Jackie Marin, Cleo Kanyarat Panprakhon, Fatima Rodriguez, Isabella Rositano, Emilia Scott-Hopkins, Katelyn Storey, Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol, Sarah Tute, and Sofia Valdez. Each of these remarkable women had their own unique story and passion for making a difference in the world. I also took the opportunity to speak with some of the event’s sponsors, like Indira Setia Putri of Lari Active and Jan Herdman, gaining insight into the support that makes this event possible.
The pageant was divided into four segments, each designed to highlight different facets of the contestants’ beauty, intelligence, and environmental awareness. The Swimwear round, sponsored by Budgy Smuggler, set the tone for the evening, showcasing the finalists’ confidence and poise. The Evening Gown round followed, with each contestant dazzling in their chosen attire, embodying elegance and grace.
One of the most impactful segments of the night was the environmental hashtag round. Here, each finalist selected a hashtag and explained its ecological significance, using the platform to raise awareness about important environmental issues. It was clear that these women were not just beauty queens but also passionate advocates for the planet.
The night reached its peak with the question and answer round for the top four finalists. I could feel the tension and excitement in the air as the contestants were put to the test, demonstrating their intelligence and quick thinking.
As the special awards were announced, I felt a sense of pride knowing that StarCentral’s choice was Jessica Lane, a standout contestant who also took home several other awards, including Best in Swimwear, Best in Social Media, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Earth Charity. Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol was another big winner, receiving Megaworld’s Choice, Best in Evening Gown, and People’s Choice. Claudia Kuper was awarded Miss Congeniality, while Katelyn Storey was named Best in Talent. Alicia Rositano was the Budgy Smuggler Choice, rounding out an impressive list of accolades.
Finally, the top four winners were announced, each receiving a coveted title. Sarah Tute was crowned Miss Earth Australia Water 2024, Claudia Kuper took home the title of Miss Earth Australia Fire 2024, and Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol was named Miss Earth Australia Air 2024. The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived when Jessica Lane was crowned Miss Earth Australia 2024, a well-deserved victory after an evening of outstanding performances.
The success of the Miss Earth Australia 2024 pageant was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, including National Director Juliet De Leon, Managing Director Marc Baylon, and pageant coach Susanna Downes. As I reflect on the evening, I can’t help but admire the incredible efforts of the media team led by Bob Reyes and StarCentral’s very own photographer, Dave Choo, who captured every memorable moment of this remarkable event.
This night was more than just a pageant; it was a celebration of beauty, intelligence, and a commitment to making the world a better place. And as I left the theatre, I knew I had witnessed something truly special.