:: Miss Universe Australia 2008

By: Carmine Pascuzzi; photos by Matt Deller

It has been a big time for Miss Universe Australia winner Laura Dundovic, 21, from New South Wales, as she beat 28 other hopefuls from across the country to take out the title at the recent ceremony. Laura will now fly to Vietnam in July to represent Australia in the international final sponsored by US tycoon Donald Trump.

Laura attributed the win to her supportive family and boyfriend - who were all in attendance at the Trak Showroom in Toorak, Victoria. She said, “I have always worked hard at what I do and had great support from my parents. I am very excited to have won and to represent Australia in Vietnam.”

Guests saw two hours of competition as the hopefuls strutted their stuff on the catwalk in evening wear and bikinis. The girls also answered questions from the judges, but that wasn't really a highlight of proceedings. Miss Universe Australia national director Deborah Miller said the standard of competition was one of the highest ever. She said the event's profile had grown each year thanks in part to the success of past winners Jennifer Hawkins and Erin McNaught. The runner up in the closely-run contest was Queenslander Michelle MacNamee.

Miss Universe will be held at the Diamond Bay Resort in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008.

Here are pictures from the night.

newly crowned Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic	Laura loses her crown

Laura Dundovic

Laura Dundovic

runner-up Michelle MacNamee	Michelle MacNamee & second runner-up Lauren Gillis

Laura Dundovic & guest judge Kostya Tszyu	Laura with singer Jon Stevens

outgoing 2007 Miss Universe Australia, Kimberley Busteed	Kostya Tszyu with Deborah Miller

Jon Stevens belted out a few numbers during the night

Jon Stevens	MCs Pete Lazer and Tottie Goldsmith

other contestants

other contestants

other contestants