Melbourne based Priya Serrao is the first beauty queen from the country with an Indian connection.
IMAGE: Priya Olivia Serrao was crowned Miss Universe Australia on June 27, 2019 at Sofitel Melbourne. Photographs: Kind courtesy Priya Serrao/Instagram
When Priya Olivia Serrao was crowned Miss Australia 2019 a week ago, she created history for India.
The 27 year old is the first India-born beauty queen to have won the title.
Born in Belmannu, a small town in Udipi district of Karnataka, Priya grew up in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
She was 11 when her family moved to Australia and settled in Melbourne.
On June 27, 2019, she beat 26 contestants from the country to become the first India-born model to win Miss Universe Australia 2019.
Here's everything you need to know about the gorgeous beauty.
IMAGE: Priya had not planned to be a model. She enrolled for the pageant only in 2019. As it turned out, beginner's luck worked in her favour.
IMAGE: In fact, Serrao did not invite her parents to see her participate in the competition because she wasn't confident she would make it.
'They will know when they see me on TV. I honestly just entered, part of it was experience to see what it would be like. I didn’t even think … oh man I can’t believe I’m here,' Serrao revealed in an interview to The West Australian.
IMAGE: 'One of the main reasons I entered Miss Universe Australia was because the titleholder has an opportunity to advocate on issues to a large, global audience,' Serrao told
GC Mag. 'As my family migrated to Australia, I am an avid supporter of diversity in our society whether it be in media, politics or business.'
'I sincerely believe a diverse cohort of decision-makers creates a more equitable society, and I would love to use the platform to work more tangibly with local organizations that raise awareness about inclusion, identity and privilege,' she added.
IMAGE: She has degrees in law and arts from Melbourne Law School.
This is how she introduced herself in the competition: 'I am a law graduate working as a policy adviser. I was born in India, grew up in the Middle East and moved to Australia at the age of 11. My proudest achievement is completing an internship with the United Nations Development Program in East Timor.'
IMAGE: Priya's win has inspired girls across the continent to follow their dreams.
IMAGE: She will be representing Australia in Miss Universe 2019 to be held in South Korea.
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