Jade
Photo Credit: Bob Reyes
On the night of August 11, the Bryan Brown Theatre in Sydney became the epicentre of beauty, grace, and environmental advocacy as 11 remarkable women competed for the coveted title of Miss Earth Australia 2024. The much-anticipated event was a celebration of not only physical beauty but also the intelligence, environmental awareness, and dedication to a sustainable future that each contestant embodies.
The Finalists
The finalists for this year’s pageant were a diverse group of women who brought their unique perspectives and passions to the stage. The competitors were:
- Jessica Lane
- Claudia Kuper
- Jackie Marin
- Cleo Kanyarat Panprakhon
- Fatima Rodriguez
- Isabella Rositano
- Emilia Scott-Hopkins
- Katelyn Storey
- Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol
- Sarah Tute
- Sofia Valdez
Each of these women had already proven themselves as leaders and advocates within their communities, making the competition all the more fierce.
The Segments
The pageant was divided into four main segments, each designed to showcase different facets of the contestants’ abilities and characters:
- Swimwear Round
Sponsored by Budgy Smuggler, the swimwear round highlighted the contestants’ confidence and poise. It was a display of how these women balance beauty with fitness and health, essential traits for any role model. - Evening Gown Round
The elegance of the evening gown segment was undeniable, as each finalist graced the stage in stunning outfits that reflected their personal style and grace. This round allowed the contestants to express their individuality and sophistication. - Environmental Hashtag Segment
Perhaps the most anticipated segment of the evening, each finalist selected an environmental hashtag and explained its ecological significance. This round underscored the importance of eco-consciousness in today’s world, with the contestants articulating their understanding of environmental issues and their commitment to sustainability. - Question and Answer Round
The top four contestants faced a final challenge in the form of a question-and-answer session. This round tested their ability to think on their feet and communicate their thoughts clearly and effectively, a crucial skill for anyone aspiring to represent Australia on an international stage.
Special Performances and Exhibitions
Adding to the evening’s allure were special performances by Chloe Lofthouse, Miss Eco Oceania 2024, and Riley Aston-Kampioti. Bella Micucci, Queen of International Tourism 2024, also graced the event with her presence. Additionally, there was a fashion exhibition featuring Stargazer Models, which added an extra layer of glamour and excitement to the night.
Photo Credit: Dave Choo
Special Awards
Before the final results of Miss Earth Australia 2024 were announced, the evening was filled with anticipation and excitement as several special awards were presented to recognise the exceptional qualities and talents of the contestants. These awards not only celebrated the diverse strengths of each finalist but also highlighted the dedication and hard work they had put into their journey leading up to the pageant.
Jessica Lane emerged as a standout, sweeping multiple categories and solidifying her status as a frontrunner. She was honoured with StarCentral’s Choice, a prestigious award that underscored her popularity and impact throughout the competition. Jessica also took home the title of Best in Swimwear, showcasing her confidence and poise in the swimwear round. Her influence extended beyond the stage as she was named Best in Social Media, a testament to her ability to connect with audiences and advocate for environmental causes. Additionally, Jessica’s photogenic qualities were recognised with the Miss Photogenic award, and her commitment to philanthropy was celebrated as she received the Miss Earth Charity title.
Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol also shone brightly, earning several accolades for her outstanding performances. She was chosen as Megaworld’s Choice, reflecting her charisma and appeal. Keisha’s elegance was on full display during the evening gown segment, where she was awarded Best in Evening Gown. Her connection with the public was evident as she won the People’s Choice award, further highlighting her widespread support.
The other finalists also received well-deserved recognition. Claudia Kuper was honoured with the Miss Congeniality award, reflecting her warm and friendly nature, which endeared her to fellow contestants and the audience alike. Katelyn Storey showcased her diverse talents and creativity, winning the Best in Talent award for her impressive performance. Alicia Rositano was recognised as the Budgy Smuggler Choice, an award that celebrated her unique presence and style during the competition.
Photo Credit: Dave Choo
The Top 4 and Winner Announcement
After much anticipation, the top four contestants of Miss Earth Australia 2024 were finally revealed, marking a climactic moment in a night filled with beauty, poise, and environmental advocacy. The announcement of these titles not only recognised the unique qualities of each finalist but also celebrated their commitment to environmental causes and their dedication to representing Australia on the global stage.
Sarah Tute was awarded the title of Miss Earth Australia Water 2024, a recognition that highlighted her calm and collected nature, as well as her dedication wildlife conservation. Claudia Kuper was named Miss Earth Australia Fire 2024, a title that reflected her fiery passion and unwavering commitment to ensuring that animals are treated with respect and compassion. Keisha Ann Nicole Tungol was crowned Miss Earth Australia Air 2024, a title that symbolised her ability to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. Keisha’s innovative approach to integrating sustainable practices into architecture and design impressed both the judges and the audience, solidifying her position as a key environmental advocate.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Jessica Lane was crowned Miss Earth Australia 2024, earning the top title and the responsibility of representing Australia on the global stage at the Miss Earth international competition. Jessica’s journey throughout the competition had been marked by her exceptional performances in various segments, as well as her deep commitment to environmental advocacy. Her crowning moment was met with cheers and applause, as she gracefully accepted the crown and the role of a lifetime.
Photo Credit: Bob Reyes
Acknowledgements
The success of Miss Earth Australia 2024 was due to the hard work and dedication of a talented team. National Director Juliet De Leon, Managing Director Marc Baylon, and pageant coach Susanna Downes were instrumental in making the event a grand success. Special credit goes to the media team led by Bob Reyes and one of the official photographers, StarCentral’s very own Dave Choo, who captured the event’s most memorable moments.
As Jessica Lane prepares to take on the world stage, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of Australia, embodying the spirit of environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a brighter, more sustainable future.
Jason Harris
rhoda
patricia
natalie
Jade