Laura Dundovic News

Laura crowned Miss Universe Australia

On 14th May 2008 at a lavish event in Toorak Victoria, Laura Dundovic beat 28 other hopefuls from across Australia to take out the title of Miss Universe Australia. Laura will noe represent Australia at the Miss Universe pageant and follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins, Erin McNaught and Kimberley Busteed. The runner-up for Miss Universe Australia in 2008 was Michelle MacNamee, from Queensland.

Laura attributed the win to her supportive family and boyfriend who were all in the audience, and hard work on her behalf.

"I have always worked hard at what I do and that probably paid off tonight," Laura Dundovic said. "It would be great to reach the success of my predecessors, but at the moment I am the over the moon to be here."

Laura said Jennifer Hawkins, who was Miss Universe 2004 and parlayed that into a successful modelling and television career, had been an inspiration.

"I think before beauty pageants used to cop a lot of flak, but Jennifer Hawkins has done so much for it," she said.
"Miss Universe Australia now is just amazing and we have her to thank for that. Probably because she did so well. That encouraged me.

During the two-hour function, contestants were judged on stage presence, poise, charisma, beauty and intelligence. It included a catwalk parade of cocktail and evening gowns and white bikinis.

The contestants displayed their skills on the catwalk in eveningwear, swimsuits and also answered questions from the judges, including boxer Kostya Zu, such as how they would improve Australia and who would they have invited to the recent 2020 Summit. Laura answered a question about improving the environment, by suggesting people should use less hairspray.

Miss Universe Australia national director Deborah Miller said the standard of competition was one of the highest ever and the event's profile had been growing every year thanks in part to the success of past winners Jennifer Hawkins and Erin McNaught.

"It is incredibly hard. The girls all have stage presence, poise, charisma, beauty, and intelligence," Ms Miller said.

Laura Dundovic will fly to Vietnam in July to represent Australia in the international final sponsored by US tycoon Donald Trump. The runner up was Queenslander Michelle MacNamee.