Beauty scandal: Andrea horrified by skeletal Miss Australia

Andrea Roche is appalled by the latest scandal to rock the modelling world -- the clearly underweight contestant in the Miss Australia contest who was chosen as runner-up.

Miss Universe Ireland organiser Andrea said that the images of Australian finalist, Stephanie Naumoska, shocked her and she was relieved that the girl wasn't crowned the winner of the competition.

Naumoska (19) was one of 32 contestants who made the final at an event aimed at promoting "healthy, proportioned, bodies".

At 5ft 11in tall, she weighed in at just 7st 8lb which represented a body mass index of 15.1. This figure is below the benchmark for malnutrition and the issue has caused controversy around the world.

"In my 12 years in the industry, I have never had any experience dealing with anyone like this," said Andrea. "With the photo that I saw, it's obvious that her body shape was malnourished. She had no glow, her eyes were dead, she had no shape."

Andrea (31) said she was always "a good size 10 model" and was a size 12 when she won Miss Ireland.

"I never felt any pressure or anything," she said.

"I once encountered an anorexia person at a competition, but they had to be sent home. Their hair had fallen out and their cheeks had become hollow."

But Andrea said the issue has highlighted that the modelling industry does not condone super-skinniness.

"Something good can come out of it because it will show girls how an unhealthy body shape is not something to aspire to," she said. "I'm glad there has been uproar around it. It just goes to show that it is not the norm in beauty pageants."

Andrea is continuing her search for Miss Universe Ireland 2009. The final will be held in the City West Hotel on June 26.

"There will be 30 representatives from around the country and the standard just keeps getting better," she said.

"Follow your Dreams" says Miss Australia Universe, a TV Presenter

Follow your dreams and reach for the stars because one day you will get there.

So says Rachael Finch, a beautiful brown-eyed brunette from Townsville who was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2009 at Sydney's Hilton hotel last night.

The 20-year-old model and television presenter beat 31 other finalists to win the award formerly won by Jennifer Hawkins, who then famously went on to become Miss Universe in 2004.

That same year, Finch took out the Queensland young model of the year title in Townsville's Opal Fashion Bash pageant.

Model scout Henry Peterson encouraged her to enter the pageant after spotting her "underneath the wings of a Boeing 747 at Townsville Airport".

"When I first saw her I knew she was special," he said.

"I told her: 'You'll be bigger than Jennifer Hawkins.'"

Finch has since moved to Sydney, where she has obtained work through Chadwick model agency.

She is also a television presenter with Platinum Television, which provides video content for bars and events.

She described winning the Miss Universe Australia title as surreal.

"How do I describe the feeling? What words do I use because to me it's like a dream," she said.

"I feel like I'm in, literally, a dream. It's surreal."

For others wishing to follow in her footsteps, she said it was important to "stay focused, stay humble and be true to yourself".

"Coming from such a small town it's not only somewhere to grow up that's naturally beautiful but you really learn the value of growing in that small community and you get a lot of support and love and you can take that in your heart and take that to a bigger city or move on with your life and your career and really make a change.

"Follow your heart and reach for the stars because one day you will get there and that is what this is all about."

Rachael Finch becomes Miss Universe Australia

RACHAEL Finch, a beautiful brown-eyed brunette from Townsville, was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2009 at Sydney's Hilton Hotel last night.

The event was held at the same time as the winner of Cleo's Bachelor of the Year was announced on the other side of town.

Finch, a 20-year-old model and television presenter, beat 31 other finalists to win the award formerly won by Jennifer Hawkins, who then famously went on to become Miss Universe in 2004.

That same year, Finch took out the Queensland young model of the year title in Townsville's Opal Fashion Bash pageant.

Model scout Henry Peterson encouraged her to enter the pageant after spotting her "underneath the wings of a Boeing 747 at Townsville Airport".

"When I first saw her I knew she was special," he said.

"I told her: 'You'll be bigger than Jennifer Hawkins'."

Rachael has since moved to Sydney, where she has obtained work through Chadwick model agency.

She is also a TV presenter with Platinum Television, which provides video content for bars and events.

She described winning the Miss Universe Australia title as surreal.

"How do I describe the feeling? What words do I use because to me it's like a dream," she said.

"I feel like I'm in literally, a dream. It's surreal."

For others wishing to follow in her footsteps, she said it was important to "stay focused, stay humble and be true to yourself".

"Coming from such a small town it's not only somewhere to grow up that's naturally beautiful but you really learn the value of growing in that small community and you get a lot of support and love and you can take that in your heart and take that to a bigger city or move on with your life and your career and really make a change.

"Follow your heart and reach for the stars because one day you will get there and that is what this is all about."

Laura Dundovic will crown the new Miss Universe Australia

Laura Dundovic will sash the new Miss Universe Australia chosen from finalists from each state at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on April 22.

Finalists will compete for the chance to become the next Jennifer Hawkins and, if successful, will receive a diamond crown from Temelli Jewellery valued at $25,000, a Persona Proton car and a $1000 Novo shoe wardrobe.

Guest judges will include media personality Deborah Hutton, former Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens and fashion designer Charlie Brown. 

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