She’s blonde, beautiful and heading to Brazil to represent the nation in the Miss Universe pageant. Scherri-Lee Biggs was the clear crowd favourite among the 30 finalists at the Miss Universe Australia 2011 pageant in Melbourne on Thursday.
The 20-year-old South African-born beauty took the crown from out-going queen Jesinta Campbell, wowing the audience during the parade before donning a low-cut silver sequin evening gown.
When it came to question time, Ms Biggs, asked to share her opinion on controversial child beauty pageants, said children should be given the choice, rather than be forced into competing by “pushy” parents. “Children should be children,” she replied.
She credited her performance to a breakfast of bacon, hash browns and toast. Supported by her parents, sisters and boyfriend, the Perth model and communications student said she wanted to use the Miss Australia title to provide guidance and confidence to young girls. “I don’t think I’m the most confident woman in the world but I think that young girls these days definitely need a little bit of guidance,” she said. Ms Biggs will represent Australia at the Miss Universe pageant in Brazil on September 12.
“I hope to offer something that represents Australia, which is fun and energetic, and I really hope I can bring that to the international competition,” she said. Newcastle hairdresser Tegan
Martin was the runner-up while Victoria’s Samantha Downie, a former contestant on Australia’s Next Top Model, came in third.
