Arncliffe's Phoebe Soegiono has been named Miss Earth Australia 2021 and will go on to represent Australia internationally an advocate for environmental protection.
Phoebe, 22, competed in the virtual competition with 11 other contestants from across Australia and was crowned on September 26.
She will now represent Australia in the Miss Earth International Competition, again to be held virtually with the winner to be announced in December.
Miss Earth is a beauty pageant that prompts environmental awareness, social responsibility and climate change advocacy.
The aim of the Miss Earth International pageant is to "seek to turn the world's most beautiful women into global ambassadors of environmental protection".
It is one of the top four international beauty pageants along with Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International.
Phoebe grew up in St George and went to school at Brighton-Le-Sands Public School and Sylvania High School before completing a diploma in Public Relations at TAFE.
She now works for a luxury brand in the fashion industry.
"I was recommended to compete in Miss Earth Australia by friends of mine who are very well experienced in the pageant world," Phoebe said.
"I looked into Miss Earth even more and saw that their slogan is beauty with a cause. I find that personally inspiring because it means that Miss Earth's beauty queens are more than just looks. They have a passion, a drive, and a depth within that wants to really make a difference in our society," she said.
"My advocacy for Miss Earth is on sustainability in fashion, and how we should make more informed decisions, to reduce our clothing waste.
"Working in the fashion industry it wasn't until recently that I learned how much waste the industry discards. After this pageant ends, I want to focus on working on a clothing label that is suited to my style and my advocacy. Using great quality fabrics with a slow fashion mentality, this will be a label that is for women and for the environment.
"I want to be a good role model for young girls, to inspire them to focus on their internal more than their external. I hope that I will be able to make a positive impact in today's world of unrealistic beauty standards."
Phoebe was congratulated on her achievement by Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski in a Mayoral Minute at the October 13 council meeting.
"Phoebe is a passionate advocate for environmental protection and preservation," Cr Saravinovski said.
"She will represent Australia at the Miss Earth International 2021 pageant. We wish her every success in her continued efforts to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our environment now for the benefit of future generations."
