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The Beauty Queens of Australia and New Zealand: Who Flourished And Who Vanished From The Scene?

By

Ami Ciccone

, updated on

September 16, 2025

Rosemary Edna Sinclair - Miss Australia 1960

Hailing from Lord Howe Island, Rosemary Edna Sinclair led a simple life but expressed her intentions to join the country's pageant. In 1960, she joined the beauty contest, and with her fresh face and humble personality, won Miss Australia. Nowadays, her appearance understandably has changed because of her age.

After the pageant, Sinclair, now 84, focused on addressing environmental problems, especially after her hometown was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She strongly opposed cutting trees on the island and even threatened to lay under them to stop the process. The last we heard was that she became a United Nations Special Session on Children delegate.

Carole Jackson - Miss Australia 1965

The svelte Carole Jackson won Miss Australia in 1965. With her youthful glow and flawless complexion, it's not hard to imagine how she wowed the judges. In May of that year, during the Tokyo Trade Fair, she was given the crown made of 800 pearls and sterling silver plate.

While it's impossible to trace Jackson's whereabouts these days, the beauty queen told The Canberra Times at the time that she was going to write a book about her experiences as a titleholder. The stunner, described as elegant and poised, also shared she was excited to meet other ladies in the Miss International competition.

Gay Walker - Miss Australia 1972

With a face that can launch a thousand ships, titleholder Gay Walker definitely stood out during her heyday. Although there was no swimsuit competition at the time, she outshone other competitors with her sheer beauty and stance. As of 2016, the titleholder, who has visibly aged, became a part-time lecturer at Queensland University of Technology.

As it turned out, being crowned Miss Australia 1972 was just a stage to help her outgrow her shyness. During the time of the pageant, Walker had just graduated with a degree. After getting married and then divorcing, she studied and became a lawyer, appointed Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1982.

Michelle Downes - Miss Australia 1973

There's not a doubt that fans of Michelle Downes still remember her gorgeous face. Just look at how she seems radiant and spotless, and although she did age, she seems young-looking to this day. She remains much-talked-about even after her pageant days are over, but not for the good reasons.

After winning, Downes married racer Peter Brock, who died in 2006 due to a road accident. However, their relationship wasn't perfect. She revealed that she was physically maltreated by her husband, which led her to speak up about the matter and make opposing it a lifelong commitment.

Melissa Hannan - Miss Australia 1981

Melissa Hannan, the Miss Australia 1981, aged like fine wine. With an entertainer father, she always knew she would be following in his footsteps. Before joining the pageant, the stunner was a model who traveled to Japan, Europe, and Australia. Not only did she grow old gracefully, but her career also blossomed.

Apart from appearing in shows like It Could Be You, Out of This World, Police Rescue, and Hey Hey It's Saturday, Hannan also starred in commercials for brands like Colgate and Hyundai. The titleholder, who currently is active on social media but keeps it private otherwise, even formed a band called E.I.M. 

Tracey Pearson - Miss Australia 1986

Another beauty queen who seemed to have discovered the fountain of youth is Tracey Pearson. The Miss Australia 1986, unlike others, dipped her toes into the show business industry back in the day, presenting Our House in the '90s. Because she married actor Alan Dale, fans have seen how gorgeous she remains in her red carpet appearances.

Dale and Pearson have been married for around three decades, but the titleholder seemed to have given up on being a star. Instead, she takes care of their two kids and expresses support for her husband, who recently appeared in the show Dynasty as Joseph Anders.

Judi Green - Miss Australia 1987

Miss Australia 1987 Judi Green has always been recognizable for her towering frame and doe eyes. From these black-and-white images, we can tell that she didn't sport a full face during the coronation. Even now that she has aged, her posture remains enviable, her eyes are still expressive, and she favors letting her skin breathe.

Green met famous jazz musician James Morrison in the same year she won, and they tied the knot in the next year. To this day, they're still madly in love and extremely supportive of each other. In 2019, the couple celebrated the fifth anniversary of James Morrison Academy of Music.

Caroline Lumley - Miss Australia 1988

With a youthful look and elegance, Caroline Lumley was named Miss Australia in 1988. The stunner also sported a wild hairstyle until the following year. She marked the last winner to be crowned on live TV, which she said was because things got a 'little too politically correct.'

Although Lumley has completely vanished from the mainstream media, she was once linked to TV star Richard Wilkins, who is known for being involved with a string of high-profile names. The last we heard from her was in 2007 when she complained of the end of Miss Australia along with other pageant winners.

Lea Dickson - Miss Australia 1989

Lea Dickson was a shy beauty, but she did impress the judges as she presented herself with grace and poise, even when contestants had to eat pasta and shellfish during dinner. As per the images, Miss Australia 1989 appeared to have gotten more gorgeous as time passed by.

Dickson was one of the titleholders who managed to carve a career path in TV. She has worked for Sydney Weekender, at the helm of a lifestyle show. More than her work, the beauty queen is also passionate about the voiceless creatures and usually volunteers at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  

Rebecca Noble - Miss Australia 1990

Miss Australia is regarded as the longest-running pageant held in the Land Down Under to raise funds for charity, starting after World War II. Rebecca Noble won the competition in 1990, the year when big hairstyles were still a thing. On top of keeping up with the trend, her height, dreamy eyes, and prominent cheekbones may have attracted the judges.

We don't know what exactly Noble did after winning the pageant, but this was the same year Western Australia backed out of the competition after an issue with state cerebral palsy associations. Nonetheless, we hoped it didn't rain on the titleholder's parade.

Helena Wayth - Miss Australia 1991

These days, thick, bushy brows are in, but during the '90s, the thinner, the better. Helena Wayth awarded Miss Australia in 1991, also sported what was trendy at that time. The beauty queen, her flawless complexion, genuine smile, and expressive eyes, marks the last woman crowned.

After winning the pageant, Wayth used her platform and voice to help other people. She visited the spastic center to help physically disabled men pack bags for the Royal Easter Show. These days, however, she has maintained a low profile and kept her life private.

Suzanne Lee - Miss Australia 1992

Suzanne Lee chose to highlight her strong facial features by sporting a short bob while maintaining freshness with her full bangs when she was announced as Miss Australia in 1992. Coincidentally, this was the first year the pageant was renamed Miss Australia Awards. In 1995, she visited the Stone family with her hair tied in a bun but left her fringe on display.

Although she hasn't pursued a career in show business, Lee has always been treasured by her hometown. In a 2013 tribute for International Women's Day, she was praised for being the only Miss Australia to have won the pageant from Central Australia.

Joanne Dick - Miss Australia 1993

Joanne Dick retained her flawless complexion and wide smile when she grew older. The Miss Australia 1993 now sports a few lines on her face and has trimmed her brows, but she remains beautiful nonetheless. Of course, fans have come to witness how the personality blossomed in front of the camera.

After her pageant reign, Dick, now known as Jo Palmer, became a host of the lifestyle show The Good Life in Tasmania before becoming a Seven Tasmania news anchor for almost two decades. She left the channel to pursue a career in politics, and in September 2020, she was elected to the Legislative Council of Tasmania. 

Jayne Bargwanna - Miss Australia 1994

Miss Australia 1994 Jayne Bargwanna had a timeless beauty that mirrors old glamor. The glowing titleholder arguably looks like the young award-winning actress Meryl Streep. Back in the '90s, she graced the Wagga Harness Racing Club and Gawler Christmas lighting ceremony after coming out victorious from the pageant.

These days, Bargwanna's whereabouts are unknown. She joined the roster of beauty queens who didn't lead a public life after their reign, some of whom expressed struggle in coping with normal life after fame. Michelle Downes, for instance, revealed in a 2007 interview that many ladies found it hard to jump back to their old life.

Margaret Tierney - Miss Australia 1995

Margaret Tierney bested other girls from different nations in Australia in 1995. This young and enthusiastic stunner's great smile, glowing and flawless skin, and gray eyes made her stand out from the crowd and won the judges' hearts. A year after her reign, she visited the Parliament House in Darwin, looking more regal in her choice of clothes.

Again, years after Tierney was named Miss Australia, she has stayed out of the spotlight. In 1997, a certain Damian Taylor made the news for wanting to join the annual contest for women as the debate on the inclusion of men grew louder. 

Suzanne Haward - Miss Australia 1996

One thing about the previous Miss Australia competition is that it was not about showcasing women clad in skimpy swimsuits. They were judged on their grace, beauty, charity works, and interpersonal skills. Suzanne Haward may have aced these criteria in 1996, with her distinctive almond eyes and a wide smile.

In the following year, Haward had become even more confident in front of crowds, evidenced by the picture on the right. This was taken with Brad Rodgers, the man who garnered the most money for charity and was named National Fundraiser. Again, it's unclear what the titleholder has been up to these days.

Tracy Secombe - Miss Australia 1997

Miss Australia 1997, Tracy Secombe, had already accomplished so much before winning the title. Today, this svelte and tall contestant has grown to be such a youthful lady with a nice set of teeth and little to no visible fine lines despite being busy with her coaching business.

She also said on her website that she started pursuing this line after experiencing burnout after looking out for the welfare of her family. After becoming a titleholder, Secombe went on to start a family and pursue journalism. She also focused on physiotherapy and empowered people to treat their injuries, later implementing the Safe Work Practice.

Suellen Fuller - Miss Australia 1998

Suellen Fuller won the Miss Australia pageant in 1998. With the striking beauty that she carried to this day, it's not surprising that she got everyone talking. Despite showing signs of aging like fine lines, the titleholder still appears radiant and seems youthful for her age.

Years after her victory, Fuller, who now goes by the name Suellen Osborne, is into the energy sector and is the CEO of Timor Resources, an Australian company that focuses on gas exploration. As per her LinkedIn account, she is also the director of Nepean Resources, helming large-scale projects in Papua New Guinea.  

Kathryn Hay - Miss Australia 1999

Kathryn Hay was the first indigenous woman to have won the Miss Australia pageant in 1999. Unlike other contenders, she sported long hair and had a distinct beauty reminiscent of Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot. The titleholder from the Land Down Under aged gracefully even with the presence of wrinkles.

Years after her pageant stint, Hay became involved in politics, becoming a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly for Bass between 2002 and 2006. She also tried running in 2009 but dropped out ahead of the elections. The 45-year-old has been laying low these days, with the last news of her being in 2013 when her ex-husband died. 

Sheree Primmer - Miss Australia 2000

The first Miss Australia competitions were held in the 1900s, but the last was held in 2000. Therefore, Sheree Primmer, who was the last to be given the title, may have had a bittersweet victory. Nonetheless, she still carries her genuine smile during the ceremony to this day, even now that she's a dedicated mom of three. She seems to have slowed down time because she still looks youthful.

Primmer now uses her husband surfer Murray Dell's surname, and judging by her Instagram, the beauty queen treasures her children more than anything in this world. The life partners are at the helm of the interior designing company Vogue Kitchens.

Kerry Anne Wells - Miss Universe 1972

Australia got its first Miss Universe win in 1972, thanks to Kerry Anne Wells. Sadly, viewers couldn't witness the Perth native being crowned because of a threat toward the electricians at the pageant. Nonetheless, she looked every bit of a goddess when she walked the stage wearing a flowy green, blue, and yellow dress.

Before entering the pageant, Australians recognized Wells as a weather girl. After the competition, she became a newscaster and went on to become a clothing designer, commentator, and writer. Turning 70 in September 2021, the beauty queen has also used her platform to champion body positivity. 

Valli Kemp - Miss World 1970

When Valli Kemp participated in the Miss World 1970, all eyes were on her because of her look. She favored the glamorous boudoir appearance with her wild hairdo, dark eye makeup, and full lips. At the time, many fans already had an idea who she was because she starred in commercials before this stint.

With her background as a model and her time in the pageant, it would seem that her career was destined to snowball into acting. Kemp starred in a few films and shows while in London, but this stint was short-lived. By the '80s, the stunner, now 70, found a renewed interest in painting and designing and moved to Australia, where she remarried and welcomed three kids. 

Karen Pini - Miss World 1976

Striking brunette beauty Karen Pini rocked the Miss World stage in the '70s representing Australia with utmost confidence. Although she finished second overall, the lady certainly left a mark because of her good looks and matching interesting personality that she still has to this day.

After the pageant, Pini became a celebrity, presenting the lotto draw for more than a decade. Then, she became the first to have graced the centerfold of Playboy magazine in Australia. Apart from appearing in TV shows like The Young Doctors, the beauty queen also has a big heart, spending free time volunteering at Camden Haven. 

Michelle van Eimeren - Miss Universe 1994

Although Michelle van Eimeren didn't win the Miss Universe 1974 pageant, which was held in the Philippines, her striking good-girl looks definitely won over many Filipinos when she competed for Australia. Now 49, the model-turned-actress has understandably packed on some weight but remains a stunner.

She successfully became a celebrity in the Southeast Asian country, even starring in a string of films like Syempre, Ikaw Lang Ang Syota Kong Imported, and Manolo En Michelle Hapi Together. Plus, Van Eimeren met her ex-husband in the Pearl of the Orient Seas, although she currently lives in her home country and is busy styling events. 

Jennifer Hawkins - Miss Universe 2004

Australian beauty queen Jennifer Hawkins was just in her 20s when she competed in the Miss Universe 2004, but now that she's in her late 30s, she seems to have defied time with her ageless beauty and grace. Since establishing herself in show business, she has presented Australia's Next Top Model.

Hawkins, who announced she was pregnant in July 2021, became one of the most famous TV personalities in the Land Down Under. Despite her fame, she has used her voice and popularity to spread awareness on certain issues, including body positivity. In 2010, the Dancing with The Stars alum posed for Marie Claire for the Butterfly Foundation.

Sabrina Houssami - Miss World 2006

Beauty and brains—this is how Sabrina Houssami, who represented Australia in Miss World 2006, can be described. It's hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since she reigned the stage because of how youthful she remains to this day.

The 39-year-old, who reportedly is a member of Mensa, continued to use her influence to better other people. As a charity ambassador, Houssami has helped garner around $5 million for different organizations. The titleholder, who is active on social media, has also traveled to Singapore and East Timor, among many other places, to further the cause she believes in. 

Kimberley Busteed - Miss Universe 2007

Even before she reached 20, Kimberly Busteed already represented her country in the Miss Universe pageant in 2007. However, the fresh-faced contestant attracted controversy in the contest after wearing a lifeguard suit as the national costume. Nevertheless, she stunned with her youthful glow.

After her stint with the pageant, Busteed became a celebrity in the country, hosting the lifestyle show Queensland Weekender. More than this, the mom of two has spent her time helping the Leukemia Foundation because it's a cause close to her heart. As per reports, the celebrity's brother died of the illness. 

Caroline Pemberton - Miss Australia 2007

Over a decade since Caroline Pemberton won the Miss Australia competition in 2007, she continues to be a big celebrity in Australia. It's hard to believe that she's now in her 30s because of how she remains young-looking, which is probably thanks to her active lifestyle.

Caroline, the sister of Rex Pemberton, the youngest person to have ever climbed Mount Everest, is also an avid surfer, paraglider, and mountain biker. When not busy producing and speaking, the titleholder is a humanitarian who works with organizations like UNICEF. Because of her volunteer work, the beauty has been to Uganda, Timor Leste, and Kenya to extend help.

Laura Dundović - Miss Universe 2008

In a June 2021 Instagram post, Laura Dundović, who represented Australia in the Miss Universe 2008 pageant, displayed her toned physique as she worked out. Obviously, the titleholder aged like fine wine, perhaps because she exercises when her schedule permits. The blond TV personality usually shows her fit body on social media.

In the past year, Dundović has learned to focus on her mental health and developed ways to navigate a difficult time in her life. The celebrity revealed that she used lists of the things she needed to do and felt satisfied every time she accomplishes tasks. 

Katie Richardson - Miss World 2008

Katie Richardson was still a student at the University of Wollongong when she competed for Miss World 2008. The beauty queen appeared to have gotten more beautiful as she aged, evidenced by this 2013 snap of her wedding with Brad Thomas.

Richardson joined the pageantry to champion the causes she believed in after raking in around $2 million for the charity she worked with. Although she didn't go home with a crown from the international competition, she still used her influence to spread awareness. In 2009, the stunner, who reportedly studied nutrition, flew to Sydney for the launch of Ocsober campaign.

Jodie McMullen - Miss Australia 1996

Jodie McMullen won the local competition and competed in the international pageant in 1996. She didn't win, but she bagged the Miss Congeniality award with her contagious smile and positive demeanor. Arguably, her best asset was her smile, which she brought with her even when she was already a celebrity following the contest.

McMullen, who now goes by the name of Jodie Seal, has maintained a low profile many years after the pageant. However, she opened up in 2016 about how she felt fat-shamed during the competition and was told to suck her stomach in.

Laura Csortan - Miss Universe 1997

It's hard to believe that Laura Csortan is already in her 40s, especially after being spotted wearing a crop top with her boyfriend in September 2020. Even though the former Miss Australia still displays the same smile and twinkle in her eyes, she did age gracefully because of her toned figure.

After winning the local pageant in 1997, Csortan pursued a show business career, hosting a slew of shows like The Great Outdoors and Wheel of Fortune. She has made it big not just in her home country but also in the United States and has worked with various charities like the RSPCA and Sydney Children's Hospital. 

Beverley Pinder - Miss Universe 1978

With such memorable beauty and luscious locks, it isn't surprising that Beverley Pinder had joined many pageants as a teen model even before she competed for the Miss Universe in 1978. Four decades had passed, and she remains lovely at 65, and although she gained pounds and fine lines, she still looks recognizable.

Pinder regarded her latest competition as the pinnacle of her beauty queen career because it opened her eyes to public relations. She set her heart out on serving people and became a councilor until 2020. She is also a known supporter of Friends of Queen Victoria Market. 

Lorraine Downes - Miss Universe 1983

Now 57, Lorraine Downes still appears very much the same as when she won the Miss Universe 1983, sans some fine lines near her eyes and mouth. As a public personality, she has maintained her youthful glow, which works on-brand for her because she has been working as a wellness consultant and is an ambassador for a health supplement brand.

Despite her title, Downes has had a tough few years after her reign. Her first marriage ended in divorce, her father died when she was just 23, and she lost her beau to cancer. Still, she managed to find a silver lining and focus on her happiness. 

Lisa Maree de Montalk - Miss New Zealand 1991

Lisa Maree de Montalk has some resemblance with How I Met Your Mother star Cobie Smulders who played Robin Scherbatsky in the show. However, she is known for joining the Top 10 semifinalists of Miss Universe 1991, representing New Zealand in the competition. Unfortunately, the blond stunner with a strong jaw and expressive eyes failed to win the competition.

De Montalk, however, seemed to have kept a private life years after her pageant stint. It's unclear what path she pursued because she remains under the radar to this day. In an interview in 2017, broadcaster Melodie Robinson remembered her and their glamorous days.

Lana Coc-Kroft - Miss Universe 1988

It's hard not to remember Lana Coc-Kroft, who competed in the Miss Universe in 1988 as the representative of New Zealand, because after this, she became a TV personality for over two decades, hosting Wheel of Fortune and joining On the Edge. Since her pageant days, her fans have witnessed how she seems to have aged backward.

These days, however, Coc-Kroft has bid farewell to her celebrity status and has embraced her life as a private person. As per a 2019 report, the former beauty queen doesn't seem to be open to coming back to TV and explained that she doesn't miss show business at all. 

Donella Thomsen - Miss Universe 1981

Donella Thomsen, who represented New Zealand in the international scene in 1981, brought pride to her country after becoming a semifinalist, a rare feat for her home country. One of the only few brunettes to have made it far, she stood out with her deep eyes and big hairdo.

While some pageant hopefuls treat beauty contests, especially the prestigious competition Miss Universe, as their be-all- and end-all, others go back to their private lives after the glitz and glamor. For Thomsen, she ended her public status almost immediately after her stint. To this day, she remains under the radar.

Delyse Nottle - Miss Universe 1980

With a nice set of pearly whites and an alluring smile, it wasn't surprising that New Zealand's Delyse Nottle, who now goes by the name of Delyse Borley, won second runner-up in the international pageant in 1980. Because of her undeniable beauty, she pursued a career in modeling in that decade. These days, she has visibly aged as wrinkles are already present but continues to be a stunner nonetheless.

Nottle, who will be seen in an upcoming documentary about beauty queens, was one of the biggest models after her pageant stint. Nowadays, she and her husband are into the pool maintenance business called the Tanby Pools.

Tania Verstak - Miss Australia 1961

Tania Verstak will forever go down in history as the first naturalized citizen to have won Miss Australia in 1961. The stunner also won the Miss International. Considering that some of the criteria were about beauty, figure, and photographic qualities, she nailed all these, and she continues to carry all these traits now that she has aged.

Verstak became a new poster girl for immigrants, admitting she felt she and other 'new Australians' finally belonged to the Land Down Under. It's unclear what she has been doing these days, but her daughter Nina Young became an actress and appeared in Johnny English.

Jan Taylor - Miss Australia 1964

At 21, brunette stunner Jan Taylor won Miss Australia 1964. The green-eyed beauty, who also sported a flawless complexion back in the day, was one of the few who didn't cry when proclaimed the winner, which she said was because she didn't have a handkerchief with her at the time.

As per her friends, the Queensland native is a modest woman with a happy disposition. Because this was the '60s, pageants were a little more conservative than today, and Taylor reportedly had to seek the approval of a priest before she could even join the competition. Unfortunately, the titleholder eventually vanished from public consciousness.

Suzanne McClelland - Miss Australia 1969

With an angelic face, expressive eyes, and warm smile like Suzanne McClelland, it's not surprising that she won Miss Australia 1969. We can just imagine how gracefully she must have walked the stage because she used to want to become a ballerina. In fact, she trained in ballet with no less than Kathy Gorham but ended up quitting the dream due to a foot injury.

The Western Australia native was a teacher before joining the competition. Now in her '70s, McClelland has completely gone under the radar, so most fans would probably remember her still wearing the pearl crown, estimated to be worth $10K at the time.

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