Bea Dizon
Beauty pageants have long been labeled as sexist and degrading. Here is a competition that is attempting to change these views of the industry.
The system was created based on a belief that beauty pageants today needed a change. After the director Morgan Mancini had entered many pageants herself, she felt that something needed to be done so she decided to start a new system based on these experiences. Miss Diamond Australia celebrates the beauty and diversity of every individual. There are no height, weight or age limits, and women who are married or who have had children are welcome to enter. The competition also accepts those with disabilities.
The competition is run by Morgan alongside her mum, Charlie, who are dedicated to building a system which has a positive impact on individuals and to eliminate the stigma surrounding beauty pageants today. Contestants are able to select their own charity which means something to them to fundraise and raise awareness for as part of the competition. Removing awkward onstage questions and replacing it with a simple question – “What’s your chosen charity and why have you chosen it”? This is confidence building at its finest! Charity is high on the agenda at MDA, they have introduced a new title for the contestant who raises the most money for their charity, and will earn a place on the prestigious royal court.
The competition prides itself on creating a fun, positive atmosphere, stating that finalists become part of the family. Previous contestant and current Miss Teen Diamond Australia, Izabella Spizick said “This was my first pageant, and it really sets the bar high. I loved the whole atmosphere and all the beautiful people I met, both inside and out. I feel that Miss Diamond is the first beauty pageant of its kind, focusing on inner strength and diverse beauties rather than the current western stereotype; hopefully, other pageants will follow this example and remove height/weight restrictions.”
The directors have also banned the bikini in their competitions, they felt there is no need for such a round within beauty pageants, especially those which are not based on appearance; Morgan has stated “Swimwear rounds can be humiliating and upsetting, I don’t feel they have a place within the industry today. If these competitions are based on community work, building yourself to become a positive role model, and not about outer appearance, then I do not see why they are needed nor do I see the benefit from them. I know some people will disagree, however, this is from my own experience competing”
MDA has also introduced a brand-new award the Media Award, as well as more traditional side awards this award is ahead of the game. With increasing media, being surrounded by it they felt it is actually a great way for people to learn about more about the preparations leading up to the pageant by the finalists sharing their videos on YouTube and the finalists themselves learning how to create short media clips. The very best media submission will win the brand new title.
The 3rd annual grand finals is fast approaching and will be held at the prestigious Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 7th April. Tickets are now on sale, an event not to be missed with a glamorous red-carpet entrance, drinks on arrival as well as exquisite food created by the center’s award-winning chefs.
# # #
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Morgan Mancini at 0431514467 or email at director@missdiamondaustralia.com.
Jason Harris
natalie
Jade
