:: Miss Universe Australia 2009

By: Carmine Pascuzzi; pictures by Bill Ranken

In a glittering ceremony at Sydney's Hilton Hotel, Sydney international model Rachael Finch was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2009. Rachael took the crown ahead of 30 national finalists and in front of 300 guests.

Originally from Townsville, Queensland, Rachael has been modelling for two years internationally and is now based in Sydney. The new Miss Universe Australia 2009 has just secured an online television presenter position with Platinum TV that is expected to go live in the near future. Rachael was previously runner-up in Miss Teen Australia 2007. She is proudly supporting the Heart Foundation and also featured as one of the Adpro models at the Golden Slipper 2009 launch at Opera Point, Sydney Opera House.

Rachael was naturally thrilled at the honour. “I feel like I'm in literally, a dream. It's surreal. 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.”

Well done to ADPRO Management Group of Double Bay who supplied nine of the thirty finalists, with four making the Top 10, including the winner. The MAN TO MAN male models were supplied by ADPRO and one ADPRO's young talents, Esma Voloder, who holds the honour of Miss Teen Australia, is soon to head to the World Supermodel Beauty Pageant in Taiwan on May 5.

Here are pictures from the event.

Rachael Finch announced as Miss Universe Australia

Rachael Finch and family members

Ashlea Talbot and Grant Dwyer of ADPRO Management flanked by ADPRO male models

Rachael Finch

ADPRO Management Group boss Grant Dwyer with Miss Universe Australia 2009 Rachael Finch

Miss Teen Australia 2008 Esma Voloder, Grant Dwyer & Esma's mother

Contestant Emma Cam (second from left) with Grant Dwyer (second from right) and Man To Man models

Deborah Miller and Miss Universe Australia 2008 Laura Dundovic