By Abbey Cannan
A Noosa real estate agent who trained as a professional ballet dancer is now vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2021.
Imika Neylan has been named a Queensland State Finalist in the Miss Universe Australia program, raising funds for Toybox Australia.
Imika said the Covid pandemic made her realise life was too short to waste any opportunity.
“The Miss Universe Australia program was interesting to me as I felt the program is really focused on building a community for women and pushing them to be confident and embrace their personalities and interests,“ she said.
“I am an ambitious woman who loves to stay fit at either F45, Jetts or running to Hells Gates and if I am not selling real estate you will find me at Vanilla Foods, Hastings Street or on the boat on Noosa River.“
Entering the program back in early December 2020, Imika said she was genuinely surprised when she found out she was a finalist.
“I didn’t enter with any expectation, but It was a really nice feeling to be selected and I am glad I took the plunge,“ she said.
“Meeting the other contestants has been a highlight for me as they are all so deserving in their own ways and we just have a lot of fun.
“The program is really about highlighting what makes you, you and encourages you to use and amplify the platform you have in a positive way.
“I have just completed a social media giveaway where I put together a Noosa experience with generous donations from local businesses to kick off my fundraising campaign and I am hoping to continue to raise even more.“
Imika has chosen to raise funds for ToyBox Australia, a charity that works and aligns with other larger charities like Camp Quality, The Younger Heroes Program and Ronald Mcdonald House.
“They appeal to me as I feel like I have a great understanding for where the funds go,“ she said.
“My grandfather has recently been fighting throat cancer and this is a disease that has effected nearly every family in some way. Most of the funds raised will go towards sick and disadvantaged children with cancer and Camp Quality.
“I am also starting a ‘Dare for a Donation’ campaign where I will complete dares in exchange for donations received from individuals and businesses until April 14 2021. And of course I won’t accept any dares that are illegal or dangerous.“
In the next stage of the Miss Universe Australia program, Imika will be attending a major event in Brisbane which will involve interviews, a runway walk and the announcement of which women will continue to the next round.
Donate to the cause by visiting toyboxaustralia.grassrootz.com/mua-2021/imika-neylan
