Once a familiar face in Shabu Hair On Byron, Claire was thrilled to represent the region in the Paramatta hosted national finals of the Ms Australia Continents Pageant, but never expected to snag the crown.

“I was absolutely shocked,” she said. The least experienced entrant, she felt like the underdog and simply hoped to top one category.

“When they announced me as the queen, I think it took about a week to sink in. I woke up the next morning for the next seven days having to check and make sure it was real and that I wasn’t dreaming! It was very surreal.”

Claire will represent Australia in the international finals in Las Vegas next June. She is the second person to carry the Ms Australia title, after the category was introduced last year.

The category is open to mothers who are divorced or have a child out of wedlock and women over 28-years and over a size 12.

“The criteria has been opened up a lot, and I’m so glad it has. It’s not as based on appearances, more intellect,” Claire said.

“It’s so diverse for women now. I’ve competed with 18 month children right up to plus size, over 60 men. It’s just amazing how much more it has to offer as a platform more than a beauty pageant.”

A single mum, Claire particularly treasures the opportunity to teach her five-year-old daughter Indi the value of hard work by using her platform to support Westmead Children’s Hospital, the Luke Priddis Autism Foundation and the Heart Foundation. With judging starting three months prior to the stage competition, fundraising remains a significant part throughout, and during the queens’ 12 month reign.

“I just wanted to show her if she put her mind to something, she could do it. So she’s heading off to school with that strong moral compass,” Claire said. Indi took an active part, helping her mum collect recycling to donate funds through the Return and Earn scheme. 

“It was a team effort. She helped me along the way a lot and if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have strived to do anything more than parenting. I wanted to show her that single mums can do more than just be a single mum.”

Having lost her father to suicide in 2001, Claire also hopes to use her platform for mental health awareness causes. 

“What I’ve learnt about myself through the pageant process in the last 12 months, I wouldn’t have thought I’d learn when I first started. People have a stereotype attached to something like this, that it’s very maybe vain or based on materialistic (things),” Claire said.

“I feel like it makes you look really far into yourself and what you want to offer and what you want to do and what positive changes you would like to make.” 

Along with her charitable work, Claire worked on her public speaking skills to prepare for the question section. More comfortable talking one on one, Toastmaster helped her refine her stage presence and make the most of the moment.

The fun fashion category was an opportunity for Claire to work with a Tamworth designer in bringing her idea to life – a jumpsuit created from an evening dress. 

The evening wear section was a three month production, from finding a Los Angeles designer to manufacturing and postage. Her dress will now be available to future pageant participants

“It’s a real sisterhood, I suppose,” Claire said.

“It’s not as competitive as people would think it would be. We’re all doing it for a greater cause, and everyone knows that that’s why we’re there, to make greater change and to influence our community and inspire young people, not for a crown. We’ve all got that thing. If we’re here for a crown, go home and buy one off Ebay.”

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